Micky van de Ven was given the big build-up ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League showdown against Newcastle, but the Spurs centre-half endured an afternoon to forget.
The Netherlands international has proven to be one of the signing of the season following his largely unheralded arrival from Wolfsburg.
Explosive recovery pace and a calmness on the ball have been hallmarks of the 22-year-old’s performances this term, and led Rio Ferdinand single him out for praise ahead of kick-off.
‘He’s an absolute Rolls Royce of a centre-half and has the chance to be one of the best around,’ the former Manchester United star told TNT Sport.
Van de Ven looked anything but a Rollys Royce, however, during a torrid opening 45 minutes at St James’ Park during which he was booked, before making mistakes for both of Newcastle goals.
The Dutchman was at fault on the half hour mark when he lost his footing when confronted by Alexander Isaka and hit the turf just two minutes later under pressure from the rampant Anthony Gordon.
Given the hype Van de Ven that has accompanied Van de Ven’s recent performances, Arsenal fans in particular took particular delight in his downfall against the Magpies.
‘Is this the guy some of you said was better than Saliba?’ wrote one Arsenal supporter, while another added ‘Spurs fans were genuinely claiming Van de Ven is a better defender than Gabriel and Saliba. Geezer just been sat down twice in 90 seconds with the same turn and cost his side two goals.’
‘Sometimes a Rolls Royce does have technical issues,’ said Ferdinand, meanwhile, when asked for his response to Van de Ven’s error-strewn display. ‘We talked about how good he’s been this season before but he’s had 45 minutes to forget here.
‘It’s a great bit of skill from Isak coming inside but you’ve got to slow your feet down as a defender. If you can’t slow down, you can’t change direction. He came across too quick and was put on his bum to put it politely.
‘It looks worse and worse for Van de Ven every time you see it. He makes it impossible to turn in another direction.
‘It’s the same situation he doesn’t slow his feet dow. When you have got players of this level and this quality, Anthony Gordon has been outstanding and was devastating there.’
MORE : Cesc Fabregas sends message to Arsenal players and rates their Premier League title chances
MORE : Rio Ferdinand predicts Arsenal’s last seven Premier League games and final points total
MORE : Graeme Souness names the player who should beat Martin Odegaard to footballer of the year