Micky van de Ven Finally Speaks Out About Controversial Alexander Isak Clash
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has disclosed that he immediately contacted Liverpool's Alexander Isak to express concern following an accidental collision that resulted in the striker's leg injury.
The Dutch center-back made contact with Isak just moments after the forward's attempt to shoot, with the ball slipping past goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to put Liverpool ahead in north London during last weekend's match. Instead of celebrating what would have been his second Premier League strike in Liverpool colors, Isak stayed down on the ground, grimacing in pain while holding his left leg.
Liverpool later confirmed that Van de Ven's challenge had caused a fracture to the striker's fibula along with ankle damage. Isak faces an expected absence of no less than two months from action.
Van de Ven was eager to express his regret to his professional colleague both in private and public forums. "I've messaged him," the 24-year-old shared with Sky Sports during Tottenham's Christmas event for young fans this week.
"Absolutely, of course. I reached out to him because injuring him was never my intention, I never wanted to cause him harm, naturally. I was simply attempting to prevent the shot and I believe it was unfortunate how his foot got caught between my legs. So yes, I contacted him afterward and wanted to express my best wishes for his healing process, that's what I told him, and I hope to witness his return to the field very soon."
Van de Ven was asked whether Isak had replied to his message. "Yes, he genuinely valued the gesture," the Netherlands player confirmed. "He responded, indeed."
Van de Ven Defended by Jamie Carragher
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot clearly disapproved of Van de Ven's tackle. The Dutch manager criticized his countryman's challenge as "careless." "Van de Ven's tackle, if executed 10 times, I believe there's a significant risk of serious injury occurring on each occasion," he stated angrily.
Spurs manager Thomas Frank predictably held a contrasting opinion, vigorously supporting his defender.
Notably, Van de Ven also gained backing from former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher. "There's been considerable discussion about various challenges from Tottenham players during the match, and many weren't wise. I've imagined myself in Van de Ven's situation and that's a tackle I would likely attempt," Carragher explained to Sky Sports.
"He's attempting to block the shot, it's simply the momentum afterward. I'm unsure where else people expect his foot to travel. He must make that intervention. You cannot allow the attacker to simply take an uncontested shot in that scenario.
"It's purely unfortunate for Isak. This was likely one of our first real glimpses of his genuine talent wearing a Liverpool jersey."