Dean Saunders: Micky van de Ven lacks the ‘brain’ needed to be a top defender

Former Liverpool forward Dean Saunders has given his thoughts on the Reds’ links to wantaway Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, sharing that he doesn’t rate the Dutchman highly. Speaking exclusively to AceOdds.com, the Welshman also commented on Andy Robertson’s future at Anfield, as well as Alexis MacAllister’s remarkable drop in form.

Micky van de Ven doesn’t have an elite defender’s brain

While Tottenham are battling to survive in the Premier League, van de Ven hasn’t done himself any favours with his ill-disciplined performances. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and Saunders warns that to play for Liverpool, you have to be elite.

“Well, to be honest, I have not seen enough of Nico Schlotterbeck, but before we move on, I just have to state that if you are playing as a centre half for Liverpool, you have to be one of the best in your position in the world. It is not enough just to be a good player.”

“It will be nearly impossible to replace van Dijk and I actually think Konate is a very good player as well. Of course, he has suffered, but anyone would suffer if they have had seven different right backs playing aside you.”

While acknowledging van de Ven’s physical attributes, Saunders questioned whether the Dutchman’s footballing intelligence is up to scratch.

“When speaking about Micky van de Ven, he is lightning quick, but I have played against defenders like him. I have played against the quickest centre backs in the world, but it was never a problem for me. Being a top defender is all about your brain.”

“It doesn't matter being quick if you don't have the brain. It helps you recover from mistakes, but you shouldn't make those mistakes to start.”

He also shared concerns about van de Ven’s mentality and behaviour, referring to the moment when the Dutch international ignored former manager Thomas Frank after a loss.

“We also saw the situation where he ignored Thomas Frank. I didn't like that situation. Yes, he is playing for a team who are struggling and keep selling their best players, but you can't behave like that.”

The former Wales international compared van de Ven to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, stating how he needs to be intelligent like Ferdinand was, if he is to be considered an elite defender.

“I want to bring in Man United's former centre half pairing as an example. When Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic played, Ferdinand always came off the pitch with no mud on his shorts.”

“Ferdinand would read the situation and get there before the striker, and I am just not sure if van de Ven's football brain is that good and if he can read the game. At this level, everything is about speed of thought.”

“How can I get the ball before Erling Haaland? His brain is fantastic, and I just don't see it with van de Ven. Ferdinand used to get the ball before me and other defenders were running after me. I am really not sure about van de Ven and his brain.”

Spurs continue to struggle against the drop in the Premier League, and in their next outing, they will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. If you fancy backing them to pull off the upset, you can use our free bet calculator to see how much you could stand to earn.

Robertson still among the world’s best

Andy Robertson’s game time has dropped this season with new signing Milos Kerkez being Arne Slot’s preferred left-back. The Scotland international was linked with a move to Tottenham in January, but that fell through, and now rumours circulate about a return to boyhood club Celtic. Saunders, however, still sees Robertson as one of the top left-backs in world football and urges him to stay at Anfield.

“Robertson is 32 years old, so he should be in his prime as a defender. Defenders are different from strikers. They use their experience and get wiser, so he is in his prime now. I just don't get why Milos Kerkez is playing in front of him. I don't get it.”

He dismissed suggestions that Robertson’s level has dropped, pointing to Liverpool’s success. On the contrary, he thinks that Kerkez should be an understudy to Robertson as he still has a lot of improvements to make.

“If you asked me to mention the four best left backs in the world, I would mention Andy Robertson. He is that good. People would come back and say that he struggled last season, but it is simply not true. Liverpool won the league and only lost two games, so he couldn't be that bad, could he?”

“They signed Kerkez but in my opinion he just shouldn't play. I think he should be training for 12 months, being behind Robertson, and watching Robertson play so he will be able to do the same things one day. He has to listen to the manager and learn how to play the Liverpool way.”

He also highlighted the trust Robertson has from teammates in defence.

“But he is already on the team, and I just have to say that if you asked Virgil van Dijk who he wants to his left, his answer would be Robertson with no hesitation.”

“In fact, it would be the same scenario if you asked Ibrahima Konate who he wants to his right. He would say that he wants Trent Alexander-Arnold next to him, but that is another discussion.”

Ultimately, Saunders feels the Scottish left back still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

“Andy Robertson should be playing for Liverpool for another two years at least. If he can't stay at Liverpool or if he doesn't get the minutes, I wouldn't go to Celtic. He is too good for that, and if I was him I would join another top six club in the Premier League. If I was any other club in the top six I would sign him.”

“His attitude is fantastic. Not once has he complained, but I can tell you that he is thinking that he just lost a year of his football life. He has been sitting in the stands. He is a professional but he has to be disappointed.”

Mac Allister struggling in an unclear system

Saunders also gave his verdict on Alexis Mac Allister, suggesting the midfielder’s struggles are more tactical than individual.

“Mac Allister is a good professional with a very good attitude. He knows his role in the team and he is proven. He has a great character. He is very intelligent, but he has been struggling.”

“The system doesn't really fit him and it seems like they have lost the playbook they used to have and what then happens is that the midfielders don't know where to be on the pitch.”

“Mac Allister is struggling to find out if he should go back to receive the ball or go forward to pick up second balls. He has been really lost in that sense. He has suffered a lot because of the playing style.”

Read more as Pat Nevin gives his thoughts on the state of Scottish football