Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has explained his decision to leave Micky van de Ven out of the starting lineup for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The decision surprised some Spurs supporters, especially because Van de Ven has been an important part of Tottenham’s defence this season. However, De Zerbi made it clear that his decision was based on managing the defender’s workload rather than a lack of confidence in him.
🔥 VAN DE VEN NEEDED A REST
Van de Ven had played four consecutive matches for the Netherlands during the international break, completing approximately 90 minutes in each game.
The defender also experienced a hand injury during the international fixtures, raising further concerns about his workload.
Speaking before the match, De Zerbi explained that Tottenham had enough quality in their squad to rotate players when necessary.
The Italian manager therefore decided not to risk overworking the Dutch defender, particularly with several important matches still to come.
Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke were selected to partner in central defence, while Van de Ven began the match on the bench.
⭐ BERGVALL GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY
Another notable decision was the inclusion of young midfielder Lucas Bergvall in the starting lineup.
De Zerbi showed his confidence in the Swedish youngster, explaining that Bergvall had performed well whenever he had been given opportunities this season.
The Tottenham manager believes young players deserve opportunities when they demonstrate their quality and commitment.
Bergvall was handed valuable playing time against Manchester United, as De Zerbi made six changes to his starting eleven following the international break.
⚽ VAN DE VEN ENTERS AS SPURS FIGHT BACK
Manchester United took the lead through Bryan Mbeumo in the second half, but Tottenham refused to give up.
Van de Ven eventually entered the game, replacing Destiny Udogie after Mbeumo’s goal.
Tottenham’s task became even more difficult when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off, leaving Spurs with ten men.
Despite the setback, Tottenham continued fighting and were rewarded when Dominic Solanke scored a dramatic late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw.
De Zerbi praised his players’ mentality, explaining that they had shown the right reaction after going a goal behind and losing a man.
🗣️ DE ZERBI’S MESSAGE TO SPURS FANS
The manager’s decision to rest Van de Ven reflects his intention to manage the squad carefully throughout a demanding season.
Rather than relying on the same players in every match, De Zerbi wants his entire squad to contribute when called upon.
His faith in Bergvall also suggests that Tottenham’s younger players could continue receiving opportunities if they perform well in training and matches.
For Spurs supporters, the 1-1 draw offered encouragement, particularly after the team’s difficult run of results.
The big question now is whether Van de Ven will return to the starting lineup for Tottenham’s next match, and whether Bergvall has done enough to earn another start.
