Ledley King feels that Tottenham Hotspur have one of the league’s greatest defensive duos.
King has several years of experience as the cornerstone of the Spurs’ defense; therefore, he is well-versed in leading the defense. Even though injuries marred his later career, Tottenham supporters still think highly of the 43-year-old, especially for leading the team to its final major victory in 2008.
Ange Postecoglou has built his early success as the Spurs manager on defensive solidity. The division’s fewest goals conceded, just 13, strengthen the weak defense from the previous campaign.
For comparison, in 2022–2023, Tottenham gave up an incredible 63 goals. Despite Antonio Conte’s reputation for being a master at defense, only the three relegated teams—Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest—admitted fewer goals.
The signing of Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven has proven to be a brilliant move, as the Dutchman has settled into life in North London. The Netherlands international, a tall, calm defender, has been the ideal foil for Cristian Romero’s more aggressive playmaking approach.
In an interview with The Telegraph, former Spurs captain King praised Van de Ven as “exceptional” and gave Romero credit for “adapting” his style of play. “You see defenders giving up or jogging back and almost thinking the ball is going to end up in the net,” he remarked. However, you need to position yourself to act if there is an opportunity.
It was always my job as a defender to run back as hard as I could. This season, Romero has changed up his approach, and Micky Van de Ven has been an excellent, reliable companion. As a partnership, they are there.