Injury-ravaged Real Madrid have identified a defender who they believe could partner Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio until David Alaba and Eder Militao are fully match-fit again. Having learnt their lesson from losing French prodigy Leny Yoro to Manchester United in July, Real Madrid may not go for the wait-and-buy policy again, Spanish media reports said.
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Tottenham Hotspur's speedy full-back Micky van de Ven is the player Carlo Ancelotti's side have set its sight on. According to reports, Real Madrid find the the 23-year-old Dutch star the ideal replacement for injured Eder Militao, whose season remains doubtful after suffering an ACL blow. Just like Militao, Micky van de Ven is dominant in the air, has speed and is known for winning duels. The muscular defender, who joined the Premier League side from Wolfsburg in 2023, can operate as a left-back when asked and can defend in the open field as well.
In Alaba's absence, Ancelotti has rotated his defenders changing them from one side to the other. In recent games, he tried playing Aurelien Tchouameni on the right and Rudiger on the left. At times, the duo were also asked to play as CBs by the Italian manager who intends to continue doing so for the rest of the season. Thus, getting the Dutchman who is familiar with the LB position gives the Los Blancos an added advantage.
However, Real Madrid is also attracted to Micky due to the financial side of the deal. Although Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol and RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba have also been on the radar of the La Liga champions, Micky van de Ven remains the most affordable option when compared to the other two, Relevo.com said in a report.
Real Madrid is convinced that he is the best option available within their budget who is known to have mastered the physical and fast style of defending, the report added. According to popular football portals, the Spurs talent's market value is said to be around €50 million.
Defending European champions Real Madrid ended the calendar year second in the league table, just a point behind leaders Atletico Madrid. They next travel to face Valencia on January 3.
