Prior to Tottenham’s matchup versus Liverpool in the Premier League, Micky van de Ven spoke. 

Micky van de Ven, a defender for Tottenham Hotspur, has told Liverpool that his team is not to be feared and has set his eyes on imitating Virgil van Dijk.

On Saturday night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs will play host to Jurgen Klopp’s team in a tantalizing Premier League match. Two of the division’s most interesting teams square off in this contest.

Following dismal seasons in the previous year, both teams have had strong starts to the current one. Tottenham is now ranked fourth in the league after winning four of their first six league games.

Liverpool, on the other hand, has won five of its six Premier League games this season and is closely pursuing league leaders Manchester City. The Reds have now won seven straight games overall after defeating Leicester City 3-1 on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup.

Nevertheless, despite Liverpool’s strong start to the season, Van de Ven has cautioned Jurgen Klopp’s club that his teammates do not fear them. Van de Ven joined Spurs in the summer from VfL Wolfsburg in a deal that may increase to £43 million.

“I am really looking forward to seeing the fans again in the stadium, and they will make it a good game from us,” he told the Press Association.

READ ALSO:

Tottenham’s January transfer window plans and the wonderkid Postecoglou just has to look at

The complete text of our weekly Tottenham Hotspur Q&A with Alasdair Gold, our Spurs correspondent, is available here. He answered questions regarding the north London team.

Jack00: “Do you think there’s a chance we’ll revisit the Lloyd Kelly deal in January to add more cover for the backline? Davinson Sanchez has been moved on.”

Kelly will undoubtedly be one of the defenders they consider, according to Alasdair.When I questioned Postecoglou after the window closed, he made it plain that he was now lacking at center-back. With only about nine months left on his contract, Kelly stands out as a good domestic option for a mid-season swoop and fits Postecoglou’s system. If no new contracts are signed, Tosin Adarabioyo will also be in the same contractual predicament.

“Tottenham will search for another center-back to expand Postecoglou’s options if Eric Dier does leave in the summer at the end of his contract.”

Which players could join Ashley Phillips and Alejo Veliz on the first team’s bench given the performance of the younger teams thus far?

Technically, both of those players were first team summer acquisitions, albeit they have played for the U21s to improve their fitness. Although he now faces stiff competition for a berth in the first squad, I’d love to see Jamie Donley earn a seat on the bench among academy players.

“However, he’s evolving in a way that makes him less of a striker and more of a playmaker. Who knows, he might someday be able to play both roles that Harry Kane once did or perhaps go deeper to channel James Maddison.

“Alfie Dorrington is also promoting his claims to be more involved with the first team, and if one or more center-backs are injured, he might possibly find himself among the first team substitutes. He is an excellent young defender.

piercetews: “What do you think will happen in the game on Saturday, and why?”

Alasdair predicts that Spurs will win by a score of 2-1. Although Liverpool will be formidable and in excellent shape, I have complete faith that the enthusiastic crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will produce an unforgettable atmosphere.

How have your perceptions and predictions of the club’s season altered from the first game to the present?

Probably merely strengthened, Alasdair said. Without playing in the Champions League, Postecoglou would have plenty of free weeks to work his way into the team, and I always thought that sixth or even fifth place was feasible.

“I’ve been amazed at how quickly the Spurs players have picked up on his instructions, and now the goal is to make it automatic. There may be difficulties along the way, but if they can keep up their pace and avoid hurting any important players like James Maddison, they may be able to go a little bit higher. However, it is still very early.

hotspur67: “Do you know how many players have received cautions this year?” Really concerned about suspensions given that many of them involve disputes with officials like Madison’s?

Alasdair states: “Bissouma has three in the Premier League, Richarlison, Maddison, Perisic, Sarr, and Udogie all have two each, so nobody close yet, although Bissouma will have to keep an eye on it.”

“Can you see Bryan Gil having a future under Ange?” AlexStylianou said. Would be curious to hear what he has to say about him as well.

At today’s press conference, I was going to ask Postecoglou a question on Bryan Gil because, if nothing else, there are more important ones that need to be answered. We’ll see what he answers. Personally, I think he will fit the Australian style wonderfully since he is fit enough to press high up the pitch and takes chances with his dribbling and passing.

The only remaining problem is his physical strength and size, but he will try to demonstrate improvements there.

Gaj45: “Watching Spurs’ first team and academy teams, I was wondering if the club intended for all academy teams to play similarly to the top team. That didn’t seem to happen under Conte since the first team utilized a 3-4-3 formation while the academy utilized a 4-3-3? Are all of the coaches using the same songbook?

Spurs have consistently played a particular way, frequently in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, with a fast tempo, passing style, and high-up-the-pitch pressing, according to Alasdair. To add additional body to the midfield, they frequently invert one of the full backs. All this ring a bell? Yes, Ange Postecoglou has been waiting for it.

“Under Conte, they maintained their standard approach, which is supposed to represent the club’s philosophy, making the choice of Conte, Nuno, and Mourinho as first team head coaches all the more puzzling. Regardless of who was playing at the top, the academy simply continued to play as they always have, maintaining their identity.

Who do you believe Ange would choose from Johnson and Solomon who is more suited to his system?

Both, in different ways, according to Alasdair. Solomon is the elusive dribbler who likes to cut inside, while Johnson possesses speed and finishing ability. Postecoglou like having a variety of choices, so the lineup might not alter, but the players do. They are not the only ones who can play down either flank; he will choose various players for different games.

Do you think Levy might make these a more frequent occurrence given that it has been six years (counting lockdowns, of course) since the last one after having the fan forum last week?

Alasdair expresses his hope. It only takes one evening of his time, but having the chairman interact with the crowd and justify his choices is extremely beneficial. In spite of the criticism, it also makes him human.

JoeyG10L “Are the reports that Sonny has received a new contract true?”

The fact that Spurs apparently have the option to extend his contract by another year provides them some breathing room, but given the direction he’s headed, the club would be crazy to not extend him a new contract as the face of Tottenham Hotspur, according to Alasdair. Under Postecoglou, he will score a lot of goals.

Cass_ius: “In terms of recruitment, this summer (and previous summer) undoubtedly resulted in the addition of the best players in years, who have contributed to the team’s transformation this season. The greatest CB since Jan, the best AM since Eriksen, the best GK since Hugo, the best LB since Rose, and the best CM since Dembele are VDV, Maddison, Udogie, and Biss, respectively. What changed, and is that at risk given the fresh adjustments Munn is making?

“I believe it’s just a case of Spurs buying the perfect players to fit a system rather than trying to make good players fit something they don’t,” adds Alasdair. Postecoglou has a clear idea of what he needs from his team and what will get the job done. Scott Munn will choose a new technical director, and Postecoglou will continue to lead their recruitment with those above him ensuring that it happens, so I can only see that trend continuing under him.