MusaCristian Romero has named Micky van de Ven as the defender he has developed the strongest on-pitch relationship with throughout his professional career, praising the Dutchman’s exceptional qualities and immense potential.
The Argentine defender left Tottenham Hotspur for Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window in a deal worth £34.2 million, including add-ons. Spurs also negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on clause, ensuring they could receive a share of any future profit should the Spanish club sell him.
Romero spent five years in north London, making 156 appearances for Tottenham. During his time with the club, he scored 13 goals, registered seven assists and received six red cards. He was also appointed captain in his final season before completing his move to Spain.
During the last three years of his Tottenham career, Romero formed a defensive partnership with Van de Ven, who joined the club from Wolfsburg in 2023 in a transfer that could eventually reach £43 million.
Despite their different playing styles, the pair developed an impressive understanding at the heart of Tottenham’s defence, with Romero now offering a glowing assessment of his former team-mate.
Speaking to Argentine journalist Gaston Edul in a recent interview in Spain, the 28-year-old was asked to identify the defender with whom he had enjoyed the best relationship on the pitch. Romero did not hesitate to single out Van de Ven.
“At club level, at Tottenham, I got to share a lot with Micky van de Ven and I feel that he was impressive,” Romero explained.
“He is an incredible player and he has everything.”
The Atletico Madrid defender went on to highlight the qualities that make the Dutch international such a special talent, suggesting that his future achievements will largely depend on the decisions he makes throughout his career.
“I think obviously it will depend on him, because he is young, where and what he wants to do for his career because he has it all. He has speed, he plays the ball, he is fast, he defends well, defends high, plays well with his feet, is technical.”
Romero also revealed that their understanding extended beyond their individual abilities, explaining how they brought out the best in each other during their time together in north London.
“Truthfully at club level, I feel he has been a team-mate that understood me very well from day one and who elevated me, I elevated him and I also have a very good relationship with him. He’s a very good centre-back,” he added.
The comments will undoubtedly be encouraging for Tottenham supporters, particularly given the responsibility Van de Ven has inherited following Romero’s departure.
Like the Argentine, the Dutchman signed a new contract with the club this summer and was subsequently appointed captain, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his Tottenham career.
Van de Ven has established himself as one of the most important players in the squad, combining outstanding recovery pace with strong defensive instincts, technical ability and confidence when playing out from the back.
Since Romero’s exit, the Netherlands international has increasingly partnered his compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke, who arrived from Brighton in a £52 million deal to strengthen Tottenham’s defence.
With Romero now plying his trade in Spain, his praise represents a significant endorsement of Van de Ven’s quality and potential. The Dutchman will be hoping to build on the foundations established during their time together and lead Tottenham’s defence into a successful new era.
Musa
