A reputed journalist has called for the dropping of an experienced Tottenham star from the national side after his struggles during the international break.Spurs have already had one injury victim in the international break, with Jan Paul van Hecke returning to Hotspur Way after injuring his toe while in action for the Netherlands.Roberto De Zerbi will be desperate for all of his other internationals to return to the club unscathed, with a big game against Manchester United on the horizon.The Tottenham boss will also be concerned about the form of some of his stars during the international break, including his captain.Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesXavi urged to drop Tottenham captain Micky van de Ven from Netherlands sideMicky van de Ven seemed to struggle at left-back in the Netherlands’ 2-2 draw at Greece, even though that has been his role for the Dutch team for a long time.Journalist Valentijn Driessen has now called on Xavi Hernandez to end the Tottenham star at left-back experiment and play Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen instead.Driessen told De Telegraaf’s Kick Off Podcast: “He (Van de Ven) hasn’t played well for three consecutive matches now. I hope Xavi simply puts a proper left-back there for a change.“Ian Maatsen. Koeman didn’t rate him, but every time you see him play—like against Spain in the Nations League last year – he performs really well. He is simply an excellent player.“I’d rather have a player like that than Van de Ven. Yes, he’s fast, but if you field someone solely to recover from errors, I think you’re missing the point; it’s also about whether someone is comfortable on the ball.”Why Van de Ven playing at left-back will concern SpursThis all comes just days after Spurs Web relayed reports that both Man United and Liverpool are keen on signing Van de Ven from Tottenham. However, any deal would be worth around £90m.Given the Tottenham captain’s history of hamstring injuries, it may be a risk for the Netherlands to play him at left-back multiple times a week, a position which requires him to get up and down the pitch all game.Driessen is also right in identifying that the 25-year-old’s attributes do not fit that as a full-back, especially going forward. However, he is rarely going to start centrally, with Virgil van Dijk unlikely to be moved from his preferred left centre-back role.M. van de VenTottenham – Premier League (2026 – 2027)Appearances4Minutes Played360Average Rating6.80Key Passes0Pass Accuracy (%)95.00Tackles5Blocks0Interceptions3Duels Won21Fouls Committed3Yellow Cards1Stats correct as of 4 October 2026.READ MORE: Why Lucas Bergvall was benched for Sweden as Tottenham prepare for Man United clashThe post Journalist calls for Tottenham star to be dropped from national XI amid £90m transfer reveal appeared first on Spurs Web.