Van de Ven has been a key player for Tottenham, scoring two goals in their recent 3-0 win over Everton. He has been impressive, and some are wondering if he should be considered the best centre-back in the league.
One of Van de Ven's standout features is his speed, which allows him to play with more attacking freedom. He has recorded the fastest sprint in Premier League history, clocking 37.38km/h against Brentford in January 2024.
As a centre-back, Van de Ven's attacking numbers are impressive. He has scored three goals in the Premier League, putting him on equal terms with two high-profile signings Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekiteke. His underlying numbers show that he is clinically finishing his chances, with a 100% overperformance of his expected goals (xG).
Van de Ven's passing ability is another asset, with a success rate of 92.3%. He has completed 542 passes, including 55 into the final third, showcasing his ability to start attacks. He also has 14 touches in the opposition box, demonstrating his ability to finish chances.
While Van de Ven's defensive numbers are not as impressive, he has made 9 tackles and 28 duels in the Premier League, winning 54.9% of those duels. However, he has excelled at intercepting opposition passes and recovering the ball, making 10 interceptions and 34 recoveries.
For now, it's difficult to consider Van de Ven the best centre-back in the league, as Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel are ahead in this regard. However, Van de Ven's unique abilities make him a valuable asset to Tottenham.











