Pundit Garth Crooks claims Micky van de Ven has brought a ‘calm, steadying influence’ to the Tottenham Hotspur defence.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is the ‘real deal’ in the heart of the Spurs defence.

Van de Ven played the full 90 minutes as Premier League leaders Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on Friday night.

The Dutchman served up another superb performance in the Tottenham back line, with Jamie Carragher heaping praise on him.

Garth Crooks raves about Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven

Former Tottenham striker and current pundit Crooks has now joined in with Carragher, praising Van de Ven’s latest display.

Crooks suggested that Van de Ven is now getting better every week as he grows more and more comfortable with Premier League action.

Crooks added that Van de Ven is the ‘real deal’, praising his speed, ability on the ball and threat in the opposition box.

The pundit added that Van de Ven brings a really calming presence to the Spurs back line whilst praising his partnership with Cristian Romero.

Crooks feels that Romero not only trusts Van de Ven but believes that he can help him improve moving forward.

“This kid is looking better with every appearance,” said Crooks. “It’s still early days in his career and there is a long way to go in the title race but Micky Van de Ven looks like the real deal. The Netherlands international is quick, comfortable on the ball and likes a goal.”

“He didn’t score in the Premier League leaders’ 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace on Friday, but no-one was complaining about that. What Van de Ven brings to the proceedings is a calm, steadying influence at the back for Spurs and provides Cristian Romero with a defensive partner he can not only rely on

My view: Tottenham have struck gold with Van de Ven

Tottenham wanted a left-footed defender under Antonio Conte.

Top targets Josko Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni and Pau Torres weren’t available and eventual loan signing Clement Lenglet was just a stop-gap.

Tottenham wanted to invest in a long-term option over the summer and seem to have absolutely nailed it with Van de Ven.

The Dutchman has shown off his pace and ability to both carry and pass the ball out of the back, whilst his reading of the game has been very strong.

Van de Ven doesn’t even turn 23 until April and he could be a star man in the Tottenham defence for a long, long time.

Tottenham will hope that Van de Ven stays fit and happy in North London but this transfer seems like a masterstroke right now.