Jaap Stam is surprised by national team coach Xavi Hernández's decision to use Micky van de Ven as a left-back. The former international and Viaplay analyst believes the Tottenham Hotspur defender is much better suited to playing in the heart of the defence. The criticism comes as the Netherlands are unbeaten in their last four matches, with two wins and two draws.
"I think the way Van de Ven is used at Spurs is better than with the national team," Stam said in an interview. "Spurs use him as a central defender and I would absolutely play him there too because of his speed." Stam was clear about the other position. "I would never select him as a left-back.
The criticism comes as the Netherlands under Xavi have yet to keep a clean sheet. In the first four Nations League matches in Group A2, they earned eight points but conceded in every game. They drew with Germany (1-1) and Greece (2-2), and beat Serbia twice (1-2 and 2-1). The most recent victory was a 2-1 win over Serbia on 4 October, with goals from Teun Koopmeiners and Joshua Zirkzee. In the 2-2 draw against Greece on 1 October, the goals came from Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders.
Stam praised the team's attacking approach under the Spanish coach but expressed concern about the defence against top nations. "The most important thing is to avoid conceding goals, especially against strong opponents," he explained. He referenced the Dutch mentality where scoring often comes first but stressed the need for balance.
The analyst also mentioned the qualities of Jan Paul van Hecke, who moved from Brighton to Tottenham for around sixty million euros this summer. "And we all know Van Hecke's qualities by now: he is very strong on the ball." Stam noted that the KNVB's choice of a foreign head coach caused divided reactions, but said Xavi has done well so far.
The Netherlands are unbeaten in the Nations League and can conclude the group stage in the home match against Greece on 13 November. The team has the chance to extend its run of four matches without defeat in that fixture.
Further reading: FCUpdate.nl
