Martin Keown believes Spurs need to make changes to keep Micky van de Ven free from injury

Martin Keown has been praising some of the Premier League’s top defenders, but suggests a change is needed for one of Tottenham’s players.

Injuries have exacerbated an inconsistent season

Tottenham’s season has fluctuated between performing like a top team and being unable to surpass challenges from sides at the bottom of the table. There are tactical issues which have been highlighted, but lack of available squad depth at times has made Tottenham’s frequent two game a week schedule, much more difficult.

All of Tottenham’s attacking players, other than Brennan Johnson, have been injured at some point as well as several of the defenders. In addition to making certain profiles of player unavailable, the increased demand of minutes has heightened the likelihood of muscular injuries in the players who have been forced to play more than Postecoglou may have wanted.

Martin Keown has been praising one of Tottenham’s defenders, but has highlighted injury susceptibility as a reason for Tottenham to change their approach.

Keown names Micky van de Ven among best central defenders

Speaking to TalkSport, Keown included Micky van de Ven as one of his top five centre-backs so far this season.

He said: “Van de Ven is another player that I really think has caught the eye. I think he has to be in the mix as one of the best central defenders we’ve seen this this season.

H”is pace, I would question why does he have to use that pace so often? He’s pulling his hamstring, so maybe they could adjust a little bit for him, but he’s really caught the eye.”

Van de Ven needs squad depth, not tactical adjustment

While it is prudent to consider adjustments when a player is getting repeatedly injured, the issue for Van de Ven is the number of minutes rather than the role being asked of him. Van de Ven receives such high praise because this Tottenham system allows him to demonstrate his unique physical ability, not in spite of it.

What is clear however, is that Tottenham urgently need a player who can support Van de Ven by sharing some of his minutes. Ben Davies lacks the requisite recovery pace and playing on the left exacerbates Radu Dragusin’s limitations on the ball.

A fast, tall, ball-playing, box-defending centre-back is a unique profile and not easy to find, but could be the piece that brings consistency to this Spurs team.

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