Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has revealed that a “top-class” Manchester United star is the toughest opponent that he has faced in the Premier League so far.
Van de Ven arrived at Tottenham in the summer from Wolfsburg, with Spurs paying the German club an initial fee of £34.5m and a further £8.5m in potential add-ons.
The 22-year-old Dutch centre-back has impressed so far under Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou and has slotted in well with Cristian Romero in Spurs’ defence.
Van de Ven started against United in August and played the full 90 minutes alongside Romero, with Spurs beating the Red Devils 2-0 at home.
The Netherlands international admitted that one United star from the aforementioned Premier League encounter tested his defensive abilities.
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Van de Ven impressed by Marcus Rashford
Speaking to Sky Sports, Van de Ven spoke highly of Marcus Rashford and admitted that the United star was “so strong” when he had the ball during the Spurs match.
“To be honest, the home game against United. Rashford, for me, he’s a top player,” he said.
“Of course, Man United is not doing that well in the league, they have a tough period now.
“But if you see the quality of Rashford and, of course, it’s really difficult to play in a team that’s not going really well.
“But Rashford, for me, when I played against him, it’s like every second of the game he can do this and make a goal.
“Every time with the ball he’s so strong. For me, he’s a top-class player.”
Rashford currently struggling with form
Despite the praise from Van de Ven, Rashford has come under scathing criticism this season over his disappointing run of form at United.
The United star was in the form of his life last season and Red Devils supporters were keen to see what Rashford would achieve in the current campaign.
However, Rashford has only picked up one assist and scored once in 10 Premier League appearances for United this season.
The 26-year-old United forward faced mounting criticism after he was at a birthday party at a nightclub only a few hours after his side’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag has since come out and spoken about the England international’s “unacceptable” behaviour and Rashford has since apologised over the matter.
“I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it,” he said on Friday ahead of the Fulham clash.
“It is unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that is it. It is an internal matter.”
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