Gary Neville was in disbelief after witnessing Micky van de Ven’s incredible assist against Manchester United
Van de Ven produced an outrageous assist for Brennan Johnson’s opener against Man Utd.
Micky van de Ven produced one of the best assists from a centre-back in Premier League history during Sunday afternoon’s clash between Manchester United and Spurs.
Ange Postecoglou’s side got off to the perfect start at Old Trafford, when centre-back Van de Ven made a defence-splitting 60-yard sprint before putting the ball on a plate for Brennan Johnson.
Johnson, who has answered his critics in recent weeks with a string of impressive performances, tapped in from close range to give Spurs an early lead. But it was Van de Ven who earned the plaudits.
“Absolutely brilliant,” said Gary Neville on commentary for Sky Sports. “One of the best runs I’ve ever seen from a centre-back.”
Van de Ven has assisted more Premier League goals than any other Spurs player this season – and many were quick to praise the Dutchman following his efforts.
Others made their feelings clear about Manchester United‘s lack of urgency.
One said: “How can a team be set up this badly. Van de Ven doesn’t even have to use his brain here look how much space he has to run in to.”
A second wrote: “Van De Ven’s speed is an absolute cheat code. One of the most powerful runners we’ve ever seen in this league,” and a third commented: “He is an absolute machine.”
A fourth said: “That was an unbelievable run but United’s defending was utterly pathetic.”
A fifth added: “Ugarte imo is the one who needs to stop Van de Ven there, and he doesn’t realise the danger until VDV is practically already past him.”
Van de Ven’s speed shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. He was clocked at recording the fastest speed in Premier League history, reaching 37.38 kilometres per hour in a match last season.
Postecoglou recently described the defender as “a pretty special footballer” after he carried the ball more than 70 yards, from the edge of his own box, to set up Heung-min Son against Everton.