Tottenham have several elite players talented enough to represent their country.

Hotspur Way is often devoid of seniority during international breaks nowadays, as the likes of Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Richarlison and others are regularly called up for their respective nations.

Micky van de Ven is another who often jets off – accumulating 14 caps for the Netherlands so far – although the Tottenham No.37 has now been criticised by Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen.

Click to subscribe to the podcast Micky van de Ven told he is a “problem” for Ronald Koeman

Given the fact Virgil van Dijk likes to play as a left-sided central defender, the Tottenham star is usually forced to play at left-back by Ronald Koeman.

However, Driessen believes the Netherlands can do better than Van de Ven in this area, criticising the Dutchman and naming Burnley No.3 Quilindschy Hartman as a more suitable option.

The respected journalist told De Telegraaf’s Kick-off podcast: “The ultimate left-back plays at Burnley. That’s Hartman. He’s the best left-back (for the Netherlands) but he’ll need a few months to get back to his old level.

“Then I think he’s the best left-back on the Dutch national team… Van de Ven has a lot of energy, speed, and strength. He can run really fast to the byline, and then he doesn’t know what to do. That’s a problem.”

Fortunately for Thomas Frank, there is unlikely to be a need for the 24-year-old on the left at Tottenham, with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence able to play in that role, as well as Ben Davies.

Therefore, Van de Ven, who Jean-Phillipe Mateta hates facing, is only a “problem” for Koeman, and remains one of the best players at Tottenham regardless of his struggles on international duty.

Thomas Frank has reason to ignore Valentijn Driessen and encourage Micky van de Ven

We cannot admit to watching many Netherlands games, but this verdict from Driessen is a surprise considering what Van de Ven has previously displayed in the final third at Spurs.

The Netherlands international memorably ran the entire length of the pitch at Old Trafford to assist Brennan Johnson last season, putting the ball on a plate for the Wales international.

Van de Ven, who Glenn Hoddle admires, also netted a stunning finish to seal a 2-1 win over Burnley back in May 2024, proving he is more than capable of hurting opponents with his technical ability and decision making, rather than just inflicting fear with his impressive physical attributes.

Hopefully, the comments from Driessen do not have a negative impact on the 24-year-old back at Tottenham.