In a startling revelation that showcases the gulf between elite footballers and mere mortals, Tottenham Hotspur's defensive powerhouse Micky van de Ven has described the moment Lionel Messi left him utterly bewildered during a Champions League encounter.
The Dutch international, renowned for his blistering pace that makes him one of the Premier League's fastest defenders, found himself completely outmatched when facing the Argentine maestro during his time with former club Wolfsburg.
The Moment That Stunned a Speedster
'My first thought was: what's happening here?' van de Ven recalled, still seemingly amazed by the memory. 'I'm a quick player, I know that. But Messi... he was just different.'
What makes this confession particularly remarkable is van de Ven's own credentials. The centre-back has been clocked at astonishing speeds that would leave most attackers trailing in his wake. Yet against Messi, he discovered levels of footballing ability that defied conventional understanding.
More Than Just Speed
What truly separated Messi from other world-class players van de Ven has faced wasn't just raw velocity, but something far more devastating.
'It wasn't just about how fast he could run,' the Tottenham defender explained. 'The technical ability at that speed - that's what makes him incredible. The way he controlled the ball, his dribbling, everything executed perfectly while moving at that pace.'
This combination of blistering acceleration and flawless technical execution created what van de Ven could only describe as an almost impossible challenge for any defender.
A Learning Experience for Spurs' Rising Star
Now establishing himself as a key figure in Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham revolution, van de Ven views the encounter as a priceless education in elite-level football.
The experience against Messi has undoubtedly contributed to his rapid development into one of the Premier League's most promising defensive talents. His performances this season have been instrumental in Tottenham's push for Champions League qualification - the very competition where he learned these harsh lessons.
As Tottenham continue their campaign to return to Europe's premier competition, they'll be hoping van de Ven can use these experiences to ensure future opponents feel just as helpless as he did against football's true greats.
