Micky van de Ven
December 2025
Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank moved to defend Micky van de Ven after Arne Slot branded the defender’s tackle on Alexander Isak “reckless”. Isak scored Liverpool’s opener in north London but suffered an ankle injury with a fibula fracture in the same incident. Van de Ven’s attempt to block Florian Wirtz’s through ball left Isak’s leg trapped at an awkward angle, forcing the striker off despite walking without a stretcher. Liverpool later confirmed surgery and a long absence, while Frank argued it was a committed last-ditch challenge rather than malicious play.