In a stunning revelation that's set to ignite debate among Premier League fans, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has disclosed an extraordinary conversation with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher about Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
The Danish manager dropped the bombshell during a press conference in Copenhagen, revealing that Carragher made a surprising admission about the Dutch defender's career path.
The Carragher Confession
"Jamie Carragher said to me, 'Why didn't you tell me about Micky van de Ven? We should have signed him for Liverpool,'" Frank revealed to reporters. This remarkable exchange highlights what might have been one of the Premier League's biggest missed opportunities in recent transfer history.
The 22-year-old centre-back has taken the English top flight by storm since his £43 million move from Wolfsburg to Tottenham last summer. His blistering pace and composed defending have made him an instant fan favourite at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
From League Two Reject to Premier League Star
Van de Ven's journey to Premier League stardom is particularly remarkable given his humble beginnings. The defender was once deemed not good enough for English football's fourth tier, having been rejected after a trial with FC Volendam in the Dutch second division.
Frank, who worked with Van de Ven during their time together in Denmark, always believed in the defender's potential. "I knew when I had him in the Danish league that he was a Premier League player," the Brentford boss stated confidently.
The Anfield What-If
Carragher's admission raises fascinating questions about Liverpool's recruitment strategy and what might have been. The Reds eventually signed other defensive targets, but Van de Ven's exceptional performances for Tottenham have clearly caught the attention of Anfield legends.
Van de Ven's combination of raw pace - he's been clocked as one of the fastest players in the Premier League - and technical ability makes him exactly the type of modern defender top clubs covet. His partnership with Cristian Romero has been fundamental to Tottenham's improved defensive record this season.
A Testament to Development
This story serves as a powerful reminder that player development isn't always linear. From League Two rejection to becoming a player Liverpool legends wish they'd signed represents one of football's most dramatic turnaround stories.
As Van de Ven continues to excel under Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, Frank's revelation adds another layer to what's becoming one of the most intriguing narratives of the Premier League season.
