More to 'outstanding' van de Ven than just speed, says Ange

It's no secret that Micky van de Ven is fast, fastest in the Premier League kind of fast, but it's the effectiveness in how he uses his speed and his adaptability that have really impressed Ange Postecoglou.

Possessing 'elite' level pace, the flying Dutchman recently set the highest top speed by a player on record in England's top flight at a rapid 37.38 km/h (23.22mph) - sprinting back to close down Brentford's Keane Lewis-Potter during our 3-2 win on 31 January - and his ability to cover ground in defensive areas has been essential to Ange's high defensive line.

The centre-back's express sprint speed was in full flow in our 2-2 draw at Everton last time out, when he charged across to the right channel to tackle Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the first half before an almost identical sliding challenge to deny Jack Harrison late on in the second half.

Alongside his lung-busting recovery runs and perfectly-timed challenges - that have become a trademark for our number 37 this season - Micky was a rock at Goodison Park, with his six clearances, four ball recoveries and 100% tackles won as well as his 91% pass accuracy showing what an assured presence he is in our backline.

Speaking in his press conference today (9 February) ahead of our next league outing against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (kick-off 3pm UK), Ange explained why there's more to it than just focusing on top speed.

"Obviously we kind of knew what we were getting with Micky from a physical perspective," said Ange.

"There was plenty of evidence that we'd already seen that his speed and his ability to recover was elite, for sure. But then it's not just about running fast, football is more than that. It's more than just speed, you've got to use that in the right way."

Watch - Micky's top defensive acts in the Premier League this season

Joining from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in the summer, where he clocked the top speed of any centre-back in the German top flight at 22.3mph last term, the 22-year-old's recovery pace is a huge asset for Ange's defensive system.

Having missed 10 weeks of action after sustaining a hamstring injury against Chelsea on 6 November, the Netherlands international returned for Manchester United on 14 January and looked like he'd never been away with a typically composed performance.

Alongside Cristian Romero, the pair rekindling their formidable early-season partnership in our 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, Micky has been hugely influential in his maiden season in England. Given his rapid rise this term, Ange has heaped praise on our number 37's 'outstanding' defensive work and stated there is much more to come yet. An exciting prospect indeed.

"I'm really impressed with how he's adapted to Premier League football," added our Head Coach.

"He's up against the top strikers every week and obviously he was out injured but when he's played, his ability to use that speed in an effective way in terms of his defensive work, I think has been outstanding for a young man in his first year.

"There's so much more to come from him but I've been really pleased with the way he's gone up to this level and used what he has as his strengths."

Watch - Ange's Brighton press conference