Liverpool urged to move for Van de Ven as Dutch icon hails ‘ideal successor’ to Van Dijk
Tottenham Hotspur are facing renewed uncertainty over the future of Micky van de Ven, with growing calls from within Dutch football suggesting Liverpool should make the talented defender their next marquee signing.
Van de Ven attracting admiration after rapid rise
Since his arrival at Tottenham, Van de Ven has transformed into one of Europe’s most dynamic young defenders. His blend of speed, strength, and composure has made him indispensable to Ange Postecoglou’s side, not only anchoring the back line but also chipping in with crucial goals — six in all competitions so far this season.
With Cristian Romero sidelined earlier in the campaign, the Dutchman wore the captain’s armband on several occasions, underlining his growing influence both on and off the pitch. It is little surprise, then, that Spurs are eager to secure him on a new long-term deal. However, reports suggest that negotiations are yet to progress, and that delay has prompted speculation from some of the game’s most respected voices.
Boulahrouz tips Van de Ven as Van Dijk’s natural heir
Former Chelsea and Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz has publicly backed Van de Ven to become both Liverpool’s and the Dutch national team’s long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Speaking to ESPN NL, Boulahrouz praised Van de Ven’s defensive maturity and physical dominance, suggesting that he is already operating at an elite level.
“He really stands out,” Boulahrouz said. “He’s physically strong and incredibly fast. Opponents know that, so they don’t even try to get past him anymore. He could be better on the ball sometimes; he makes the occasional mistake. But overall, I think he’s fantastic. I think he’s the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk, both for the Dutch national team and Liverpool.”
The former Netherlands international also pointed to Van Dijk’s age and workload as factors that could eventually influence Liverpool’s transfer plans. “The question is what Virgil will do after the World Cup. When you’ve been playing in the Premier League for years, your body has taken a beating. You might start longing to take it a bit easier,” Boulahrouz added.
Van Dijk’s leadership remains vital to Liverpool
Despite Boulahrouz’s comments, Van Dijk remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions under Arne Slot. The 34-year-old signed a contract extension earlier this year, tying him to Anfield until 2027. He continues to marshal the defence with his trademark authority and composure, keeping himself ahead of Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah in the pecking order.
However, there is a growing sense within Dutch circles that Liverpool will eventually need to plan for succession. Van de Ven, with his raw pace and anticipation, appears the natural candidate. His comfort on the left side of central defence could also allow Van Dijk to shift to the right, potentially creating a formidable partnership rather than a handover.
Spurs face key decision amid growing attention
For Tottenham, the immediate priority is to extend Van de Ven’s contract and fend off suitors. The north London club know that once Europe’s elite begin circling, the situation could escalate quickly. Van de Ven’s market value has soared following his stellar performances domestically and in Europe, and losing him would be a significant blow to Postecoglou’s evolving project.
While Liverpool’s recruitment team — led by Richard Hughes — have made no formal move, admiration for Van de Ven is widespread. Should Van Dijk begin to wind down his Premier League career in the coming seasons, a move for his compatriot could align perfectly with Liverpool’s next defensive rebuild.
For now, Tottenham’s focus must be retention, not reaction. Yet as Boulahrouz pointed out, the Dutch heir to Van Dijk’s throne may already be flourishing in north London.
