Eye-Catching Warning
Tottenham center-back Micky van de Ven has issued a bold warning to Bukayo Saka ahead of the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 semifinal clash with England on Wednesday. The Arsenal star impressed in the quarterfinal win over Switzerland, scoring a stunning equalizer and a decisive penalty in the shootout, tormenting Switzerland’s defense throughout the game.
Defensive Confidence
Despite Saka’s formidable performance, Van de Ven remains unfazed. The Dutch defender, who came on as a substitute in Oranje’s 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Türkiye, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to contain the English winger. He emphasized the prowess of Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake, suggesting that Saka will struggle against their pace and skill.
“Saka is a wonderful footballer with lots of pace, but [Virgil] van Dijk and [Nathan] Ake have a lot of pace too, and I am sure they can handle him,” Van de Ven told the press, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Speed Challenge
When asked who is the faster player between him and Saka, Van de Ven humorously referred to his record as the fastest player in Premier League history. “Difficult to say, but when you look at the data, you got your answer,” he said.
Semifinal Stakes
The winner of this semifinal match will advance to the Euro 2024 final at the Olympiastadion on June 14. England has shown resilience throughout the tournament, with key players like Bellingham, Saka, and Kane delivering crucial performances. In contrast, the Netherlands, after finishing third in their group, have gained momentum with impressive victories over Romania and Türkiye in the knockout stages. Ronald Koeman’s side has won every knockout fixture in normal time, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.