Picture this: a football defender morphing into a superstar striker right on the pitch, dazzling everyone with a solo run that screams 'legend in the making.' That's the jaw-dropping reality of what unfolded when Micky van de Ven turned an ordinary play into pure magic for Tottenham Hotspur.
You know you've just witnessed something extraordinary when your goal draws comparisons to the legendary Lionel Messi. And get this – Van de Ven isn't even a forward; he's a centre-back, the guy usually tasked with defending, not dazzling. With Tottenham up 2-0 but reduced to ten players and facing relentless pressure from Copenhagen, Van de Ven could have easily booted the ball out of danger from the edge of his own penalty area. But no, the Dutch defender had a bolder plan in mind.
Off he dashed, accelerating past one opponent, then another, and a third, weaving through two more near the halfway line and outrunning a Copenhagen defender to break clear on goal. The Spurs fans erupted in unison, hearts pounding with anticipation. And oh, what a climax – Van de Ven calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski, only to be engulfed by ecstatic teammates in a celebration fit for one of the Champions League's most iconic goals.
'It's like Lionel Messi suddenly embodied Micky van de Ven, charging from his own goal all the way to the other end to score,' quipped Spurs manager Thomas Frank after his team demolished the Danish side Copenhagen 4-0 (as reported in this BBC live match summary: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/ce8g4j9p320t). This victory kept Tottenham's unbeaten streak alive in the Champions League, with two wins and two draws from their first four games in Europe's elite club competition – think of it as the big leagues of football, where top teams from across the continent battle for supremacy.
Van de Ven, just 24 years old, arrived at Tottenham in a £34 million transfer from Wolfsburg back in August 2023, and lately, he's been adding a whole new dimension to his game: scoring goals. He netted in the UEFA Super Cup clash against powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain in August, followed by strikes in a 3-0 win over West Ham, a 2-2 Champions League stalemate at Bodø/Glimt, and even two in a 3-0 triumph at Everton last month. But none of those hold a candle to this Tuesday night masterpiece.
'I just started dribbling and decided to test if they could keep up – and they couldn't,' Van de Ven shared with TNT Sports. 'I was feeling great, and that sprint felt incredible; it was like I could just keep going forever.' While Van de Ven played it cool about his stunning effort, others couldn't contain their excitement.
'This is absolutely one of the greatest goals you'll ever witness in your lifetime,' exclaimed former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves on TNT Sports. 'He glides past defenders as if they're invisible. Staying composed and finishing it off like that? That's just unbelievable – goal of the season, no doubt.'
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha chimed in on Match of the Day: Champions League, saying, 'It's phenomenal. Truly exceptional. It reminds me of his assist at Old Trafford last season, where he covered more than half the pitch before teeing up Brennan Johnson in a 3-0 rout against Manchester United. When defenders pull off these kinds of charges, it's confusing for everyone – who's supposed to stop him? With his size and speed, we saw opponents literally avoiding him, not wanting any part of that confrontation.'
On BBC Radio 5 Live, ex-Premier League defender Curtis Davies added, 'He stepped out as if looking for a pass, but nothing was available. Spotting the open space ahead, he realized no one could catch him. He was at full speed, full throttle, and unstoppable.'
This goal has sparked comparisons to Son Heung-min's winding run against Burnley back in 2019, which snagged the South Korean forward the prestigious 2020 Puskás Award for the world's best goal. For Tottenham and manager Frank, this win was a breath of fresh air following boos from fans after a 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday. That loss stretched a dismal run of just one point from three straight home Premier League matches, despite earning five points from their first three Champions League outings.
Frank appealed to supporters to rally behind the team, and they delivered, creating an electric atmosphere alongside Copenhagen's passionate fans. The home crowd's mood lifted in the 19th minute when Brennan Johnson scored to give Spurs the lead, and Wilson Odobert quickly doubled it after halftime to seize control. Things looked dicey when Johnson got sent off – Belgian referee Erik Lambrechts consulted the video assistant referee and reviewed the Welshman's sliding tackle on Marcos Lopez's ankle, deeming it a red card. But here's where it gets controversial: was that really a fair dismissal, or did it unfairly tilt the game? Opinions are split, with some fans arguing it was harsh, potentially changing the match's dynamics abruptly.
Yet, Van de Ven's brilliance swiftly crushed any Copenhagen comeback hopes, even with their numerical advantage. Joao Palhinha added a fourth, and Richarlison nearly made it five with a penalty that rattled the crossbar in stoppage time. 'We're moving in the right direction, but we're not at our desired level yet,' Frank confessed afterward. 'I saw a solid performance, which pleases me. We discussed bouncing back, and football has its tough patches – it's all about how you respond. We dominated from the very first minute.'
For Van de Ven, it was a rollercoaster few days. Post-Chelsea match footage showed him and teammate Djed Spence seemingly ignoring Frank's gesture to acknowledge the home fans, leading to apologies from both players. Frank moved on from the incident during Monday's press conference. And this is the part most people miss – following Van de Ven's unforgettable goal, Frank jokingly remarked about the Dutchman, 'He can ignore me again if he's upset, as long as he keeps delivering moments like that.'
In essence, this goal isn't just about a stunning individual feat; it raises intriguing questions about the evolving roles of defenders in modern football. Should players like Van de Ven be encouraged to venture forward more often, or does it risk leaving their team vulnerable at the back? Some argue it's a breath of fresh air in a sport that values versatility, while others worry it blurs traditional positions too much. What do you think – does this goal deserve a spot among the greatest ever, or even a Puskás Award? Was the red card a game-changer, and should defenders be applauded for such audacious runs? Share your views in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on this football phenomenon!
