“I don’t think there’s anyone faster in the Premier League than him. It’s almost reminiscent of Gareth Bale’s running action”- Gary Neville praised one Tottenham player for his extraordinary running style likening it to that of Gareth Bale.
Comparing any Tottenham Hotspur player to Gareth Bale is a significant compliment, especially given the legacy associated with the iconic white shirt.
Following a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United, where Erik ten Hag’s struggles deepened (helped by a red card), Gary Neville observed flashes of Bale’s brilliance in one standout Spurs player.
It wasn’t Brennan Johnson, the speedy Welshman who has impressed by scoring in four consecutive matches, nor was it Timo Werner, whose missed chances against Andre Onana showcased his struggles.
The player who caught Neville’s eye was Micky Van de Ven. His impressive run through Manchester United’s flimsy midfield and subsequent assist for Johnson sparked Neville’s admiration, though it was bittersweet since it came at the expense of his beloved club.
On the “It’s Called Soccer!” podcast, Neville praised Van de Ven’s first goal run as perhaps the finest he’s seen from a centre-back. “It was absolutely incredible,” he remarked, highlighting how refreshing it was to see a centre-back drive forward rather than stick to the typical sideways passes.
Van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League since the 2020/21 season, a fact Johnson emphasized after their dominant performance. The question of who would win in a race between Van de Ven and a peak-era Gareth Bale is one that sparks curiosity.
Neville continued to praise Van de Ven’s unique running style, comparing it to Bale’s: “He has such power and a distinctive motion for a centre-back.”
Since joining from Wolfsburg for £34 million in the summer of 2023, Van de Ven is rapidly establishing himself as one of the top left-sided centre-backs in Europe.
Johnson expressed his admiration after the match, noting, “There’s arguably no one faster in the Premier League than Micky!” He reflected on his anticipation to be in the right place for Van de Ven’s assist, leading to an easy tap-in that brought him joy.
