Liverpool to rival Tottenham for Dutch defensive ace – Do the Reds need him in their squad?

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Wolfsburg defender Micky Van de Ven this summer. The Dutchman enjoyed an excellent season with Wolfsburg, and has managed to take that form into the Under-21 European Championships, starting back-to-back group-stage games for the Netherlands against Belgium and Portugal, respectively.

Unsurprisingly, the youngster has caught the attention of a number of clubs. According to Football Insider, Liverpool are ready to battle Tottenham Hotspur for Wolfsburg’s Micky Van de Ven, with Jurgen Klopp eager to bolster his defensive line.

Van de Ven has been earning plaudits during the ongoing Under-21 European Championships following some strong performances, although the young Netherlands side must beat Georgia on Tuesday to progress to the knockout rounds.

He is now the subject of interest from both Liverpool and Spurs, and the 22-year-old could be the next exciting young defensive talent to arrive in the Premier League.

Micky Van de Ven to Liverpool – Why the Reds are right to approach the Dutchman

Liverpool are in the market for a new central defender after struggling defensively for large periods of the past season. Having been an area of strength for the Reds for so long, it all fell apart and all the weaknesses at the back were badly exposed by many teams from both in the Premier League and Europe.

Virgil van Dijk seems to have lost some of his pace, while Ibrahima Konate is yet to enjoy an injury-free campaign since signing for the Reds in 2021. Both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez struggled and their time at the club could be up this summer, as Jurgen Klopp looks to inject fresh blood into his defence.

The Liverpool boss seems to have identified Micky Van de Ven as a key defensive target ahead of the new Premier League season. Van de Ven enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Wolfsburg in 2022-23, making 36 appearances in all formats. He has been praised for his physicality and technical skills, and a player blessed with a mix of such skill set is exactly what Liverpool need in their backline.

Left-footed, the Dutchman would bring balance to Liverpool’s defence while also being the long-term partner for Konate as van Dijk enters the twilight of his career.

Van de Ven would suit the profile of a defensive signing who can play in a traditional back four as well as in a back three to allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to essay his new-found role in midfield. In compatriot Van Dijk, he will also have the perfect role model to learn from and develop different facets of his game.

A good reader of the game, quick through the ground and incredibly composed on the ball, Van de Ven would be a fantastic long-term investment for Liverpool. That said, the Reds must go all out to beat Spurs for his signature.