Van de Ven jokingly teased Thomas Frank after the Everton win.
Bruising the Fort & Teasing the Boss: Micky van de Ven Has the Last Laugh at Thomas Frank’s Expense
In a weekend that will be remembered for both dominance and banter, Tottenham Hotspur’s rookie leader Micky van de Ven took centre-stage for two separate reasons. First, the Dutch centre-back bulldozed through Everton to claim a 3-0 win with a brace from set-pieces. Then, with a cheeky grin and a well-timed quip, he slid in a little leg-pull for his boss Thomas Frank on the way out.
The match: van de Ven’s night to shine
Van de Ven arrived at the newly minted Hill Dickinson Stadium under the radar, yet left as the man of the hour. Twice he nodded home from corners, putting his mark on the victory while also giving a masterclass in how to serve notice to opponents.
Thomas Frank, who demanded early in the season that his centre-back find more headed goals, got exactly that and more. “He attacked the ball and got in there where it hurts,” Frank said of van de Ven’s finished delivery.
The cheeky moment: a grin, a point and the spotlight
As the players trudged off the pitch, the mood was buoyant. The fans were singing. The win? Impressive. But the real highlight came when Frank stepped up mid-celebration and pointed at van de Ven, boisterously acknowledging the man who had just steered the ship. The Dutchman, equally & aware and amused, couldn’t resist the moment — a playful ribbing of his manager, amplified by that grin.
It’s the kind of moment that says: “Yes boss, I’ve delivered. Now you relax.”
Bigger picture: what this means for Spurs
Frank’s faith in van de Ven is clearly being rewarded. The manager spoke glowingly about his growth both on the ball and in leadership.
But there’s a caveat: Form is high, fitness is fragile. Van de Ven has shouldered heavy minutes — and Spurs might face rotation headaches ahead.
With the win moving Spurs into a strong position in the league, the tone is set not just for titles, but for personality. A team that celebrates together, that teases together, is often the one that fights together.
Final word
When van de Ven pulls Frank’s leg after a big win, it’s not disrespect — it’s camaraderie. It’s a sign of trust. And it’s a declaration: this isn’t just a season of results, it’s a season of identity.
