Micky van de Ven: From Volendam Youth to Tottenham Hotspur Star

VOLENDAM, Netherlands — In April 2019, Wim Jonk was set to return to his hometown to take over as head coach of FC Volendam. Jonk, a well-known player for Ajax and the Dutch national team, aimed to improve his childhood club, which was struggling at the bottom of the Under-19 Division 2. During a match, the 18-year-old Micky van de Ven caught Jonk’s attention. Despite the club’s leadership considering Van de Ven as fourth choice, Jonk saw potential in him and promptly decided to offer the young defender a contract.

“After that,” said Jasper van Leeuwen, Volendam’s technical director at the time, “a whole new dynamic started.” This decision transformed Van de Ven’s life, paving his way to a professional career.

Fast forward six years, and Van de Ven is now a prominent centre-back for Tottenham Hotspur. After joining in the summer of 2023, he quickly became an integral part of Spurs’ defense and a player who has defined their aggressive playing style. His remarkable speed and intelligence on the pitch were on full display as the team progressed to the Europa League final.

This season, without Van de Ven, Tottenham struggled, particularly in their Premier League campaign, which suffered after he was sidelined due to hamstring injuries. However, his return to full fitness allowed Tottenham to advance to the finals with a series of solid performances, starting their last five European matches.

Van de Ven’s growth stemmed from Jonk’s philosophy, which was influenced by legendary Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff. Jonk emphasized individual player development over team success at the youth academy. This philosophy allowed Van de Ven to flourish under Jonk’s and Van Leeuwen’s guidance at Volendam, focusing on building his unique abilities.

The approach taken by Jonk and his team at Volendam helped cultivate Van de Ven’s talents, transforming him from a raw prospect into a key player. “His physical ability was so high,” Jonk noted. “So that’s the starting point.” They worked on refining his agility and technical skills, preparing him for the demands of top-level football.

By October 2019, Van de Ven had made his first-team debut for Volendam, showcasing the club’s commitment to developing young talent. Under Jonk’s management, Volendam adopted a proactive, attacking style of play reminiscent of Cruyff’s teachings. Jonk encouraged Van de Ven to be assertive and tactical on the pitch.

The young defender’s strong performance at Volendam caught the attention of scouts, leading to his transfer to Bundesliga club Wolfsburg. After two successful seasons in Germany, he joined Tottenham, where his role evolved further. Under manager Ange Postecoglou, Van de Ven has thrived within a system that demands quick thinking and fast execution.

As Tottenham approaches the Europa League final against Manchester United, Van de Ven’s contributions are recognized as vital. “Without him, Spurs would be watching from home,” remarked Jonk, who now assists the Dutch national team but still keeps an eye on his former players.

Winning the Europa League would mark a turning point for Van de Ven and Tottenham, ending a 17-year trophy drought for the club. For Van de Ven, it would solidify his status as a rising star in European football, completing a remarkable journey from youth to elite performance.