Rafael van der Vaart disappointed with Spurs star after international appearance

The international break can be a really positive time for a lot of players, but one Spurs star in particular has struggled to make an impact over the last week, and has now been criticised by former Tottenham man, Rafael van der Vaart.

Micky van de Ven plays poorly for Netherlands

Throughout last season and the start of the new campaign, Micky van de Ven has arguably been one of the best players in Ange Postecoglou‘s squad.

The Dutch defender has excelled in the Premier League, adding composure, great ball-playing ability, and incredible pace to the Spurs backline.

But, his latest appearance for the Netherlands has not gone down well, after an uncharacteristically shaky and clumsy performance in the 1-0 defeat against Germany on Monday night.

Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Junior (speaking via FC Update) was shocked by van de Ven’s display, describing the Spurs man as looking ‘nervous’ and feeling the pressure of the game.

Van de Ven still needs to improve

Now, Rafael van der Vaart has had his say, and suggested van de Ven was not a suitable stand-in for the suspended Virgil van Dijk.

Speaking to NOS (via MSN), van der Vaart said: “I don’t easily get ashamed of the Dutch team, but today I did. We attribute so many qualities to them, but it’s completely wrong. You can analyse it, but everything just goes wrong.

“Then we have doubts about the absence of Virgil van Dijk, of course, you miss him. All well and good, Micky van de Ven, but this is no Van Dijk.”

Unfair comparisons

It’s important to remember that Micky van de Ven is ten years younger than Virgil van Dijk. They are very different players, and Micky has a lot of room still to grow and develop, and I’m sure he will reach the levels van Dijk has in his career.

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