Pundit stunned by what Micky van de Ven did for Tottenham against Crystal Palace this weekend

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Garth Crooks has lauded one Tottenham Hotspur player for a moment of ‘sheer audacity’ during the win over Crystal Palace on Saturday – which no-one seemed to mention.

Ange Postecoglou’s side produced another late turnaround to secure a big three points in their push to finish in the top-four in the Premier League.

Cristian Romero was one of those to get themselves on the score sheet against the Eagles. The Argentinian surprisingly emerged in the six-yard box to turn home James Maddison’s cross to put Tottenham in front.

Micky van de Ven lauded after Tottenham win

But perhaps his centre-back partner has not got the full credit he deserves. Speaking on BBC Sport, Garth Crooks suggested that Micky van de Ven deserves a lot more plaudits than he has received, as he named the Dutchman in his team of the week.

“Cristian Romero may have got the goal in open play that sent Tottenham on their way to victory against Crystal Palace but it was Micky van de Ven who provided a moment of sheer audacity,” he said.

“Very occasionally you see a defender who is so comfortable on the ball he can play almost anywhere on the pitch. Van de Ven is one of those players. I’m not one for defenders taking unnecessary risks, especially when you’re the last man in defence and outnumbered by the opposition, but the way Van de Ven drew in Matheus Franca in the 88th minute, dropped his shoulder, and went past the Crystal Palace forward as if he wasn’t there was stunningly brilliant. What was odd was that no-one seemed to mention it. The only other defender I’ve seen perform this skill with such ease was Dutch compatriot and Ajax legend Ruud Krol. Now he was a player.”

Spurs’ centre-back pairing has huge potential

Van de Ven has been a revelation in the Premier League this season. He arrived for big money in the summer. And given his age, there was obviously a chance that he would need time to adapt to playing in England.

But van de Ven has been outstanding. He has formed such an impressive partnership with Romero. And van de Ven is the fastest player in the Premier League, which gives Tottenham such an advantage when they play their high line.

It will be a big boost if Spurs can keep van de Ven and Romero fit for the rest of the season. They could do with keeping more clean sheets. But the pair clearly have so much potential.