Micky van de Ven's 'brain' questioned over Liverpool transfer as Rio Ferdinand example cited
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SportFootballLiverpool FCTottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool as Spurs battle against relegationMicky van de Ven lacks the game intelligence to succeed at Liverpool according to former Reds striker Dean Saunders.Tottenham Hotspur defender Van de Ven is often praised for his recovery pace when fending off attackers, but ex-Reds and Wales forward Saunders feels that top defenders don't get themselves into such desperate situations, citing former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand as a prime example of someone who perfected the art.Van de Ven has been linked with a summer move to Anfield as Spurs continue to battle against relegation, but Saunders feels Liverpool may need to look elsewhere."When speaking about Micky van de Ven, he is lightning quick, but I have played against defenders like him," Saunders told aceodds.com.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! When Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic played, Ferdinand always came off the pitch with no mud on his shorts."Ferdinand would read the situation and get there before the striker, and I am just not sure if Van de Ven's football brain is that good and if he can read the game.
His brain is fantastic, and I just don't see it with Van de Ven. I am really not sure about Van de Ven and his brain.”Saunders admits that Liverpool face a tough act in eventually replacing Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires next summer, and Ibrahima Konate, whose current deal runs out at the end of this season.
Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Merseyside along with Van de Ven, but Saunders says the challenge for anyone joining the Reds will be a steep one.“Well, to be honest, I have not seen enough of Nico Schlotterbeck," he added. "I just have to state that if you are playing as a centre half for Liverpool, you have to be one of the best in your position in the world.