Micky van de Ven says his match-winning memory wasn’t scoring a goal but a last-ditch defensive moment that helped seal Tottenham Hotspur’s first major European trophy in four decades.
The 24-year-old Dutch centre-back’s acrobatic goal-line clearance in the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao proved pivotal as Spurs held on for a 1-0 win. That victory secured Champions League football for the club this season and, for the first time in the club’s history, a place in the UEFA Super Cup. Tottenham will meet European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Udine on Wednesday.
Van de Ven described the Super Cup as an exciting way to start the campaign but cautioned that PSG will be a stiff test after the way they performed late in the Champions League. Watching the final beforehand, he said, he simply wanted to enjoy the match, but afterwards recognised the challenge it would pose.
Reflecting on the Europa League final, Van de Ven called it the biggest match of his life and admitted the nerves beforehand were intense — particularly with family and friends in attendance and the weight of ending a long trophy drought. He said that once he stepped out for the warm-up he switched into a focussed mode, and although the pre-match stress made it hard to eat, the whole experience is something he will carry with him.
Van de Ven also acknowledged how emotionally charged the moment was when the final whistle blew. After a season disrupted by injuries and limited playing time for him personally, finishing on a high felt like a release — not just for the players but for the club and its fans who had waited a long time for silverware.
On the managerial front, Van de Ven welcomed the fresh ideas Thomas Frank has brought. He suggested Frank’s approach puts an emphasis on offensive, forward-thinking football and expects some tactical changes from last season. For Van de Ven personally, having qualified for the Champions League is a milestone — it will be his first time competing at that level — and he described the experience of midweek European nights under the lights as something players and fans live for.
Additional notes and context
– Van de Ven’s goal-line clearance in Bilbao underlines how individual defensive moments can be as decisive as goals in knockout football.
– Tottenham’s Europa League triumph gives the club both momentum and expectations heading into a season with a new coach and Champions League fixtures.
– Paris Saint-Germain, coached by Luis Enrique, arrive as heavyweights and will test Tottenham’s defensive discipline and Van de Ven’s readiness on a bigger stage.
Short summary
Micky van de Ven reflected on his crucial goal-line clearance that helped Tottenham win the Europa League and secure Champions League qualification. He praised the challenge PSG present ahead of the UEFA Super Cup, welcomed Thomas Frank’s offensive vision, and called playing in the Champions League a personal milestone.
Hopeful perspective
Tottenham’s Europa League success and the emergence of players like Van de Ven show the squad can deliver under pressure. A fresh coaching approach combined with Champions League football offers a strong platform for the club to build a positive, forward-looking season.
Suggested additions for publication
– Include a brief captioned highlight or GIF of Van de Ven’s goal-line clearance to engage readers.
– Add a short explainer on the significance of the UEFA Super Cup and what a win or loss could mean for Spurs’ momentum heading into the Premier League.
– If available, link to pre-match injury updates and the likely starting XI for context on how van de Ven and the backline will be set up against PSG.