Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is in line for a prominent role with the Netherlands during the October international break. The 23-year-old has started seven of Spurs' 10 games in all competitions this season with one of those absences in the Premier League because of injury.
Ange Postecoglou's preferred defensive style of play makes Van de Ven arguably his most important player.
In last month's international break, Van de Ven remained at Hotspur Way because of injury but Ronald Koeman has chosen to bring him back into the squad for upcoming games against Hungary and Germany. Ahead of those fixtures, Van de Ven has been speaking to the Dutch press about Tottenham and his favoured position.
"Going from Wolfsburg to Tottenham is a big step for a footballer," he said. "But I know my qualities. I wouldn't have made this step if I thought I couldn't handle it." Asked about his role in the national team, he replied: "My favourite position is the centre back position. Nathan Aké is now injured, [Jurrien] Timber is injured. I hope to fill in the spot now, yes."
When playing for his country, Van de Ven is often deployed at left-back and the injuries in the squad could see him potentially start both games in that position. Given his history of injuries and Postecoglou's comments about him playing in that role, it will certainly be a major concern for Spurs.
“I’ve been mindful of Micky," "He’s had a couple of injuries and I’ve got to be careful with him when it comes to the demands of playing left-back in our system. I’ve got to think about the future and the physical demands are different at left-back."
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Elsewhere, As announced by the Three Lions, Harry Kane is a doubt to face Greece in the Nations League as he continues to work on an "individualised programme".
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins will likely be ahead of him in the pecking order but an appearance of the bench is possible and that could subsequently result in being named from the off a few days later when England play Finland.
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