Roberto De Zerbi may be preparing for significant changes at Tottenham this summer, but former Spurs defender Alan Hutton believes there is one player the club simply cannot afford to lose.
Following Tottenham's dramatic Premier League survival on the final day, attention has immediately shifted from relief to rebuilding. De Zerbi helped steer the club away from disaster after arriving late in the campaign and has already hinted that major decisions lie ahead.
The manager admitted after securing survival that only a limited number of players are currently at the level required for the club's ambitions.
Yet while several departures may be considered, Hutton insists Micky van de Ven must remain central to any long-term plan.
Micky van de Ven seen as key to Tottenham rebuild
Tottenham’s defensive structure has repeatedly come under pressure across the last two seasons, but Van de Ven has remained one of the few players to emerge with his reputation strengthened.
Hutton believes his importance now stretches beyond performances alone.
“That’s one guy that I think they have to keep. If they want to build and be stronger for next season, he’s your captain in waiting.” — Alan Hutton
The former defender also pointed towards uncertainty surrounding Cristian Romero’s future, suggesting Van de Ven could become an even more important figure if further changes arrive in central defence.
Leadership has frequently looked like one of the squad’s biggest issues. Van de Ven’s profile potentially offers solutions beyond defensive quality alone.
Van de Ven already looking towards next season
Encouragingly for Spurs supporters, Van de Ven himself appears focused on improvement rather than uncertainty.
The defender acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Tottenham’s recent league performances but also expressed confidence in De Zerbi’s appointment and the direction of the club.
“We have the right people now here. The right manager. I’m confident we can do more next year.” — Micky van de Ven
Those comments could carry particular importance after a season that saw Tottenham finish dangerously close to relegation for a second consecutive year.
Survival may have eased immediate pressure, but several windows could still be required before Tottenham return to competing where supporters expect.
Key points
- Alan Hutton believes Tottenham must keep Micky van de Ven
- Roberto De Zerbi is expected to oversee major changes
- Cristian Romero's future remains uncertain
- Van de Ven backed De Zerbi publicly
- Spurs survived relegation on the final day
What's next
Tottenham's summer now becomes one of the most important periods in recent club history.
De Zerbi has already indicated that significant squad changes are likely, while permanent moves for players such as Joao Palhinha may also become priorities. Decisions regarding outgoing players could prove equally significant.
Based on recent seasons we've covered, clubs emerging from survival battles often face a delicate balance between evolution and wholesale change.
For Tottenham, Van de Ven increasingly looks like the type of player around whom stability can be rebuilt.
If Spurs sell one major player this summer, should it be Romero rather than Van de Ven?
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