‘What Would I Have Done Then?’ – Micky van de Ven Reflects on Pivotal Career Moment

Tottenham Star Micky van de Ven Admits He Wouldn’t Be a Footballer Without Key Man’s Intervention

Micky van de Ven’s story is one that reminds us how pivotal a single decision—or a single person—can be in changing the course of a career, and even a life. The Dutch defender, who has made waves since arriving at Tottenham Hotspur, recently opened up about how his path to professional football nearly didn’t happen.

In an age when modern footballers are groomed through elite academies and scouted from the age of eight, Micky van de Ven’s late breakthrough is refreshingly raw. Speaking to Soccer News, the 24-year-old centre-back revealed that if it hadn’t been for Netherlands assistant manager Wim Jonk, he might not be playing football at all. Instead, he muses, he would likely be working as a personal trainer or in some other fitness-based role.

“He [Jonk] has been very important in my career,” said Micky van de Ven. “He introduced me to professional football. Without him, I probably would not have become a professional footballer.”

The Turning Point: Volendam, 2019

Rewind to 2019. Micky Van de Ven was 18 and on the fringes of Dutch football, barely on the radar of top-flight clubs. That’s when Wim Jonk, then involved with FC Volendam, took a gamble on the lanky, athletic youngster. Jonk’s decision to give van de Ven a shot changed everything.

Van de Ven’s trajectory skyrocketed almost instantly. His performances for Volendam quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs, leading to a move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg. There, he established himself as a tough, reliable defender with a rare blend of physical power and pace—traits that would soon attract Premier League scouts.

From Wolfsburg to White Hart Lane

Micky van de Ven

In 2023, Tottenham Hotspur secured Micky van de Ven’s services for a fee of around €50 million (£42.6 million). At the time, it raised eyebrows. Some critics questioned whether the Dutchman had enough experience to justify such a hefty price tag.

But those doubts didn’t last long. Under the guidance of then-manager Ange Postecoglou, Micky van de Ven quickly became one of the cornerstones of Spurs’ backline. His combination of blistering speed, tactical awareness, and fearlessness in one-on-one duels made him a fan favourite almost overnight.

Notably, he played an instrumental role in Tottenham’s run to Europa League glory—a high point in an otherwise turbulent season for the North London club.

From North London to the Oranje

Van de Ven’s club performances didn’t go unnoticed by the national team. He’s now a regular fixture in the Netherlands squad and played a crucial part in their qualification campaign for the European Championship.

“Representing your country is always an honour,” he said in a recent press conference. “But to think I might not even be a footballer if not for Wim [Jonk]… it really makes you reflect.”

His journey from a near-miss at a football career to starring on some of Europe’s biggest stages is one of grit, trust, and seizing the moment.

What Would He Have Done Then?

The question he’s posed to himself—”What would I have done then?”—is not just rhetorical. It highlights the fragile nature of opportunity in football. Many talented players never get the break they need. Micky Van de Ven believes he would have pursued a career as a personal trainer had football not worked out.

“I think I would have been a personal trainer or something else in sports,” he said. “Fitness and sport have always been passions of mine. But of course, I’m very happy things turned out this way.”

What Next for Micky van de Ven?

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As van de Ven returns from international duty, there’s a new chapter unfolding at Tottenham. Thomas Frank, long admired for his steady hand at Brentford, is set to take over from the recently dismissed Ange Postecoglou. It’s a change that van de Ven is said to be looking forward to.

There’s no denying that Frank’s arrival brings a new tactical approach. Known for his organized defensive structure and adaptability, Frank might just be the perfect manager to take Micky van de Ven’s game to another level.

And as Tottenham continue to evolve, Micky van de Ven’s presence at the heart of the defence will be crucial. At just 24, he’s already proven to be a leader at the back and has the potential to captain the side in the near future.

Conclusion: A Career Built on Trust and Timing

Micky van de Ven’s journey is a striking reminder that talent alone doesn’t make a footballer. Timing, trust, and sometimes the unwavering belief of a single mentor can be just as vital. For Micky van de Ven, that mentor was Wim Jonk—a man who saw something in him that others overlooked.

It’s often said that football is a game of inches. In Micky van de Ven’s case, it might have been just one decision, one offer, or one training session that turned him from a potential personal trainer into a star defender on the international stage.

And now, with his best years ahead of him and a new era about to begin at Spurs, you get the feeling this story is far from over.