Exclusive: Rio Ferdinand lauds Tottenham's Micky van de Ven – 'Potential to be one of the top defenders'

Rio Ferdinand believes that Micky van de Ven has “all the attributes” to be one of the “top defenders around”.

The former Manchester United defender was speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Tottenham’s visit to Newcastle United in their Saturday Premier League match.

The 22-year-old Dutch defender joined Spurs from Wolfsburg in the summer and by some measures is the fastest player in the league.

As well as his impressive pace, he is comfortable on the ball and has also contributed two goals this season to his new team.

He often lines up alongside Cristian Romero under Ange Postecoglou, where the two have formed a partnership to keep the side in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot at the end of the season.

Ferdinand was perhaps the finest central defender of his generation, and he believes that Van de Ven has what it takes to get to the top.

He said: “I really like Van de Ven. I think he’s got the potential to be one of the top defenders around. Just the pace alone, I love seeing it. He’s sitting there on the halfway line, purring, waiting to run into the channels and show his pace.

“He very rarely gets beat in those situations. He’s young, he’s very good on the ball. I watched him - we did a game at Luton - and I thought Luton away, big striker, let’s see what he’s got. He wasn't’ ruffled at all. He’s got all the attributes.”

Discussing the partnership with Romero, he added: “I think they’ve both got to be fit and play. I think Romero has improved again on last season. I thought he was a bit rash at times, blood rushes to his head and he does silly things.

“He’s been a lot more composed. You haven’t seen that as much. When he’s on it, and you see him playing with his temperament in the right place, he’s a very good player. I think the partnership, they compliment each other well.”

Also speaking to TNT Sports, former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch was impressed by Alexander Isak's efforts this season.

After overcoming injury, the Swede has been one of the best forwards in the league, Crouch said.

He explained: "Obviously Ollie Watkins is on fire, Haaland’s scoring goals, Mo Salah’s been out, but he’s in that conversation without a doubt."

Crouch then joked that Isak might be a similar proposition to himself, adding: "I love watching him play - a tall man with ability! It’s good to watch."

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