'What would I have done then?' - Tottenham star Micky van de Ven admits he would not have become a footballer without intervention

The Tottenham centre-back has paid tribute to Netherlands assistant manager Wim Jonk after starting working with him six years ago when he was 18. The Dutchman gave the defender a shot at Volendam in 2019, and the rest is history. But without his help, the ex-Wolfsburg star said he would probably be a "personal trainer".

“He [Jonk] has been very important in my career," he told Soccer News. “He introduced me to professional football. Without him, I probably would not have become a professional footballer. What would I have done then? I think personal trainer or something else in sports."

Van de Ven joined Tottenham in 2023 for around €50 million (£42.6m) and since then he has developed a reputation as a highly-respected defender, with terrific athletic ability. He played a key role in Spurs' Europa League triumph and is now playing for his country on a regular basis. But without Jonk, he could be in a very different position.

Like many at Tottenham, the 24-year-old will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of incoming Spurs boss Thomas Frank - who is set to join from Premier League rivals Brentford following Ange Postecoglou's sacking.