Ange Postecoglou has opened up on the impact of Micky van de Ven this season after the Spurs defender set a new Premier League record.
Van de Ven was clocked at a top speed of 37.38 km/h (23.22mph) in Tottenham’s 3-2 win over Brentford last week, the highest speed ever recorded from a Premier League player since the data was first collected in 2020.
Incredibly, that speed is just 0.20 km/h slower than Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt averaged during his world-record 100m in 2009.
Postecoglou said he has been delighted with how the Dutch defender has adapted to the demands of the Premier League, with his physical attributes a major weapon for Spurs.
“We knew what we were getting from a physical perspective, his speed and recovery ability. I’ve been really impressed with the way he has adapted to Premier League football, and being up against top strikers every week,” the Australian said at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Brighton this weekend.
“The way he uses speed in his defensive work has been outstanding. Bear in mind he only had one year in Bundesliga before us, he has been outstanding at this level.
“He had the injury at Chelsea, there’s always that possibility with high performing athletes. But he has not missed a beat since he got back. Last week we pushed him to the max against Brentford and Everton, and he came through it.”
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