What Thomas Frank just said about Micky van de Ven’s Tottenham future amid Real Madrid links
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven is attracting some of Europe’s biggest clubs after becoming one of the Premier League’s best defenders.
It’s been a brilliant start to the 2025/26 campaign for Van de Ven, who scored a brace on Sunday (October 26) as Tottenham beat Everton 3-0.
The Dutchman showcased his prowess in both boxes to help his side to all three points and has unsurprisingly generated attention from elsewhere.
Mick Brown told Football Insider in April that Van de Ven would want to leave Tottenham if Real Madrid made an offer for him.
But a switch for the 24-year-old never materialised, and now Thomas Frank has offered his verdict on the talented defender.
Micky van de Ven ‘happy’ at Tottenham amid Real Madrid links
Normally, when Los Blancos come calling, most players find it difficult to say no. Spurs have lost the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric to the Spanish giants in the past.
Van de Ven’s agent also mentioned Real Madrid when assessing what type of player they need in defence, seeing the Dutchman’s pace and aggressive style as an ideal fit.
Tottenham boss Frank has since been quizzed on Van de Ven’s future, and fortunately for supporters, the Dane admitted that he’s ‘happy’ in North London.
“I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future,” Frank said via Sky Sports ahead of their Carabao Cup tie with Newcastle.
“The most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”
To build on their Europa League triumph against Manchester United in May, Tottenham inarguably need to keep their star defender for the long haul.
Frank praises Van de Ven’s improvement
Van de Ven possesses an attribute that every manager craves in a defender, and that is speed. The Dutch international became the fastest player in Premier League history in January 2024, having clocked a top speed of 37.3 km/h.
| Micky van de Ven’s Premier League 2025/26 stats |
| 9 appearances |
| 3 goals |
| 3 clean sheets |
| 3.8 balls recovered per game |
| 3.6 clearances per game |
| 92% pass completion |
| 1.1 interceptions per game |
But Frank acknowledges that Van de Ven has more than just pace in his locker by praising his attacking threat, ability on the ball and leadership.
“Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season,” he added.
“He actually defends even better. He is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.
“Character and leadership also growing and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club.”
Frank’s mention of a ‘big future’ will excite the fans, and as will Football Insider revealing that Spurs plan to offer Van de Ven a new contract.