Micky van de Ven urged to make Liverpool 'step up' as Virgil van Dijk defended

Liverpool has been told Tottenham center-back Micky van de Ven could soon be ready for a move to Anfield, as a former Holland international assesses the Reds' defensive options

Micky van de Ven is believed to be on Liverpool's radar again(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been informed that Micky van de Ven could be poised to make the switch to Anfield as the Reds continue to evaluate their center-back options.

Liverpool and Arne Slot strengthened their defensive ranks this week by securing a deal with Rennes for Jeremy Jacquet, a 20-year-old who will arrive at the end of the season.

Nevertheless, with Ibrahima Konate's contract currently set to expire in the summer, Virgil van Dijk approaching his 35th birthday in July, Joe Gomez battling fitness concerns over the past 18 months, and 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni sidelined since September following ACL surgery, Liverpool may yet seek to add depth at the back.

The club has previously been associated with the 24-year-old Dutch international Van de Ven, who has established himself as a key player for Tottenham following his arrival from Wolfsburg in 2023.

Former Southampton and Netherlands winger Eljero Elia reckons the center-back will soon be ready for a major club such as Liverpool.

"I think van de Ven has to finish the season at Tottenham (by playing) consistently and show everybody he can go to the next level," he said.

Van de Ven is one of Tottenham's key players(Image: Getty Images)

"He's strong and has good posture. He can score, he can dribble, and he can defend. If he continues like this, I think after the World Cup, he can make a good step to the bigger clubs.

"Not that Tottenham isn't a big club, but clubs that are a step above, like Real Madrid and Liverpool. I think it fits his career to move from Tottenham to the big teams."

Van Dijk has faced criticism for his performances this season, but Elia suggests that this is due to the high expectations set by his previous stellar performances. "He's not the same player of three or four years ago, but it's still Virgil," he said.

"You have to respect him and what he's doing and how he plays. If he makes a mistake now, it's all eyes on him. They don't even look towards the other players or where they lose the ball. It's straight to him.

"It's Virgil! It's not the same version, but he's doing his thing and playing like a leader, but he can play better than we've seen him this season."

In a chat with Futbin.com, Elia also threw his support behind Liverpool manager Arne Slot following a challenging campaign defending their title, expressing confidence that his fellow countryman is the perfect fit for the Anfield helm.

"I think Arne Slot has had bad luck this season, also with the injuries," he said. "I hope that he will do better. He has done better recently than the last few months, winning more matches. I don't hope he will get sacked.

"I think he is a very good coach for Liverpool, and the club fits him. I like him as a human being and how he is. He is very relaxed and doesn't do too much. He keeps his feet on the ground like a real gentleman."