Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur's aggressive high defensive line is a tactic that would have petrified him during his playing days.
Neville's Nightmare Defensive Scenario
Speaking on the YouTube channel The Overlap, the Sky Sports pundit directly questioned Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven about the philosophy implemented by manager Ange Postecoglou. Neville confessed that the sight of so much space behind the defence "would scare me to death" if he were part of it.
The ex-England right-back, who occasionally played centrally, was part of a Manchester United backline that traditionally operated with a deeper defensive block. He expressed astonishment at the modern, extreme approach seen at Tottenham and other clubs like Brentford under Thomas Frank.
Van de Ven's Pace-Fuelled Confidence
In response, Dutch international Van de Ven displayed remarkable composure, attributing his lack of fear to his blistering recovery speed. The defender, clocked as the fastest player in Premier League history, explained that he backs himself to chase down any ball played in behind.
However, he offered a revealing insight into the challenges it poses for teammates, admitting: "For me I know if the ball goes into the space, I have the speed to recover, but I don't know how it is for the other players." He conceded that some players find it difficult to operate with such vast spaces behind them.
Romero's Plea to Drop Deeper
Van de Ven also shared a telling anecdote about his defensive partner, the notoriously aggressive Cristian Romero. Despite his own front-foot style, Romero has apparently asked Van de Ven to collectively "drop a bit" during matches, highlighting the inherent tension and risk in the system.
The tactic has come under intense scrutiny due to Tottenham's recent poor form. The team has won just two of their last nine Premier League games, keeping clean sheets only in those two victories. Heavy defeats, including a 4-0 loss to Arsenal and a 3-0 reverse at Nottingham Forest, have amplified the criticism.
Fabregas Questions Tactical Control
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, now a manager in Italy, has also weighed in on the debate. He described the high line as "brave" but suggested it cedes control, forcing defenders to be reactive rather than proactive to an opponent's movements.
The discussion underscores a fundamental clash in football philosophies. While Postecoglou's commitment to an attacking, high-risk style is unwavering, its effectiveness is being tested by results. The reliance on individual assets, like Van de Ven's extraordinary pace, is seen as both a strength and a potential vulnerability for the North London club.
