Micky van de Ven was a broken man not so long ago.
"How am I feeling mentally?" the Dutchman was asked in the wake of Spurs' kamikaze 5-2 defeat at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on March 10. "It's tough, I can tell you. Really tough. I have to keep going. This is life. I'm not on my phone anymore; I'm completely done with it. Only family and stuff."
Van de Ven was in a serious rut. The week before, he was sent off for pulling back Ismaïla Sarr and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity in what turned out to be a bleak 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace—the night when the fanbase truly believed in the feasibility of relegation.
Supporters had started to turn. In a state of serious constenation, we searched for answers. Why was this happening? We pointed fingers at effort and attitude, with Van de Ven, adored by the majority, emerging as Public Enemy No. 1 for a period. He was forced to defend himself publicly.
It seemed that a parting of ways was inevitable in the summer, no matter Tottenham's fate. We was on the cusp of a complete relationship breakdown.
But then Roberto De Zerbi rocked our world.
Micky van de Ven set to agree new five-year contract extension
The Lilywhites haven't looked back since appointing the fiery Italian.
He inherited a squad on its knees, and immediately galvanised the group via tactical clarity and astute man-management. De Zerbi ditched negative talk, and manifested survival, which was attained on the final day.
Van de Ven was among those who enjoyed a cathartic release, swiftly redeeming his image during the final couple of months of the season. In the autumn, we were discussing the Dutchman as a potential £100m defender amid interest from Liverpool, and now Spurs are set to possess the 25-year-old for the long haul.
The Athletic reports that Van de Ven will sign a new five-year contract extension, joining Pedro Porro and Antonín Kinsky in committing his future to the club this summer.
He's yet to feature in preseason after the World Cup and is reportedly nursing a minor issue, but Van de Ven should be absolutely fine for the start of the new season. Compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke will be his new partner, with Cristian Romero destined for Atlético Madrid.
The news will greatly please the man chiefly responsible for Van de Ven's commitment, De Zerbi. The Italian has charmed the left-sided centre-back from the get-go, lauding him as one of the very best at his position in the Premier League.
Impressed by the club's ambition in the transfer market, the Dutchman is looking forward to brighter days with De Zerbi at the helm. His contract extension is huge news for the club.
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