Three fantastic replacements for Micky van de Ven at Tottenham | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a summer of upheaval with several key players poised to leave after a second disappointing season on the trot.

Centre-back Micky van de Ven is a prime candidate to exit the club. Several clubs will be eager to pounce on this opportunity to snap up the Spurs ace.

We analyse three centre-halves who could replace the rapid Dutchman.

Jacobo Ramon – Como

Jacobo Ramon has been a rock at the back for Como.

The Real Madrid academy starlet has blossomed in Italy, earning himself a reputation as one of the best young defenders around.

Ramon has won 66.2 percent of his aerial and 55% of his ground duels in 26 Serie A appearances this season. He has helped to keep 11 clean sheets.

Como have only conceded 18 goals this season while Ramon is on the pitch.

He is smooth on the ball, regularly progressing play with his cultured passing and laudable carrying.

Tottenham need a dominant figure at the back to make the rearguard impregnable, and Ramon fits the bill.

If Madrid sign Van de Ven, they won’t have a reason to activate the buyback clause in Ramon’s deal, allowing Spurs to position themselves at the front of the queue.

Jan Paul Van Hecke – Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jan Paul Van Hecke has been turning heads in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has been a terrific addition to the Brighton backline. He has won 57% of his aerial and 66% of his ground duels in 29 Premier League outings.

He has contributed three goals and two assists, showing his prowess in the opposition box.

His experience playing under potential future Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi would be invaluable.

Van Hecke is one of the best ball-playing centre-backs around and would help to shore up Tottenham’s leaky defence.

If Spurs receive a sizeable fee for Van de Ven, they should have more than enough to reinvest in a potentially world-class defender.

Antonio Silva – Benfica

Former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has used Antonio Silva sparingly at Benfica this season, leading to rumours that he might seek a move away.

Tottenham should be ready to pounce. The highly-touted 22-year-old can develop into a world-beater with his physical profile.

Silva reads the game intelligently, allowing him to put out fires before they become dangerous. He defends his box aggressively and takes no prisoners.

In 19 appearances in the Portuguese top flight this term, he has helped keep six clean sheets. He has won 58% of his aerial and 63% of his ground duels.

He is in the first percentile for successful tackles against dribblers this season. His short and long-passing ability is exquisite.

Benfica are open to his exit for €15-25million, significantly lower than his €100 million release clause. This is an opportunity Spurs cannot miss.

He is still a fantastic prospect with remarkable upside despite the lack of interest, which is mostly due to his profile rather than his talent.