Tottenham Defensive Pair Criticised After Defeat to Leeds

Tottenham suffered their first defeat after three consecutive wins, losing 1-0 to Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday. Former club scout Brian King criticised defenders Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, saying they lacked toughness during the match.

King felt Leeds were the better side and said Dominic Calvert-Lewin caused problems for the defenders and could have scored three goals. He also questioned van Hecke’s defensive level, after some fans compared his style to defensive legends Bobby Moore and Stuart Pearce.

The report noted that van de Ven, whom Tottenham signed for £43 million in 2023, and van Hecke, who joined from Brighton for £52 million, struggled against Calvert-Lewin. Van Hecke had made a mistake in dealing with him during the build-up to Leeds’ goal.