Tottenham Hotspur supporters have become increasingly frustrated with several high profile players in recent weeks, and after his horrible red card that literally cost Spurs the game against Crystal Palace the previous weekend, more and more fans are casting a critical eye on Micky van de Ven.
Still viewed as one of the best young defenders in world football and coveted by La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, Van de Ven may honestly already have his head in the clouds with a view towards those huge clubs, not caring at all about Spurs getting left behind in the Championship.
Tottenham fans certainly noticed the difference on Sunday in a massive 1-1 draw over Liverpool that just keeps Spurs above the tide in the relegation battle with Nottingham Forest and rivals West Ham United.
Kevin Danso shone without Micky van de Ven
Kevin Danso started the game in central defense, and even with Radu Dragusin playing a very sloppy game next to him, he marshaled the Liverpool attack very, very well. As ever, the big Austrian put his body on the line, saving a goal and playing world class defense at times against the reigning champions.
There was something different about the fighting spirit of Danso that, once again, took ahold of Spurs supporters, and while even the biggest fans of the new Tottenham cult hero would not try to argue that he is a superior talent to Van de Ven, it is clear that the character he has is what Tottenham need more of in this relegation fight.
Danso is outplaying Van de Ven as of late, and Igor Tudor, assuming he still has his job, has a big decision to make. Does he go with the big name in Van de Ven and stick with the Dutchman as the starter next to the captain Cristian Romero? Or does he give Danso the nod? And if he starts Danso at center back instead, does Van de Ven then start at left back? Now how about if Destiny Udogie is available?
Van de Ven has played himself into a tricky situation with a careless attitude, rash challenges, and the lack of his positive traits like his speed and athleticisim. Defending is about more than just being an athlete. it is about heart. And in a relegation battle, Tottenham and Tudor may come to the conclusion that the gargantuan heart that Danso has is what will keep them alive.