Cristian Romero’s record in finals remains flawless as he won his fifth trophy in the past few years by lifting the Europa League after Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0 in Bilbao.
Romero could leave Tottenham at the end of the season and if he does bid farewell to Spurs in the coming months, he would have signed off on a high note to say the least.
The Argentine international put in a typically lionhearted display for Ange Postecoglou’s side against United and reminded the world why he is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
Romero promised to step up against Manchester United alongside his Spurs teammates and it’s safe to say that he delivered on his guarantee.
Micky van de Ven was Tottenham’s best player vs Man United
But apart from the World Cup winner, Micky van de Ven was also at his absolute best for Tottenham against Manchester United in the Europa League final.
First and foremost, Van de Ven saved Spurs’ blushes by producing a goal-line clearance for the ages after Rasmus Hojlund’s header seemed destined to nestle into an empty net.
But apart from his moment of magic, the £43 million (Sky Sports) man was outstanding against Manchester United — as he was the primary reason why Tottenham’s low block was not breached as the Europa League winners held their lead in the second half.
While Van de Ven is hailed for his pace, which allows him to defend channels to an elite level, the former VfL Wolfsburg centre-back showcased that he is also an expert at defending inside the box — as he was perfectly positioned at all times to head away United’s flurry of dangerous balls.
Time and again, the 24-year-old also made crucial challenges and interceptions when he was forced out wide and demonstrated why there are not many more well-rounded defenders than him in the world.
Cristian Romero was excellent but where his partner-in-crime perhaps edged him on the night is by being the man primarily responsible for keeping Spurs solid at the back — considering most of Manchester United’s threat stemmed from their right-hand side — courtesy of the bright Amad Diallo.
Jamie O’Hara dubbed Van de Ven “world-class” and if he continues to set such high standards, it will become difficult for the masses to disagree with the former Spurs midfielder.
Van de Ven stats in the Europa League final for Tottenham vs Man United
For the time being, the Dutch international will not be focused on such matters and instead will enjoy the fact that he is a Europa League winner now.
But going back to his performance, even the stats emphasise how much Van de Ven stood out for Tottenham against Manchester United.
| MICKY VAN DE VEN STATS VS MANCHESTER UNITED | |
| CLEARANCES OFF THE LINE | 1 |
| CLEARANCES | 6 |
| DEFENSIVE ACTIONS | 11 |
| ACCURATE PASSES | 9/9 |
| TOUCHES | 17 |
Defensively, the Tottenham defender was an absolute colossus as he made a match-winning goal-line clearance, six clearances in total and 11 defensive actions throughout the contest.
Van de Ven had merely 17 touches of the ball and yet, he managed to complete all of his nine attempted passes in what was a focused and mature display from the man from Wormer.
