Micky van de Ven's Sensational Journey: Unveiling the Astonishing Speed and Success from Volendam to Wolfsburg

Micky van de Ven is one of the most thrilling young defenders in the sport, distinguished by his exceptional speed. At the age of 22, a transfer to the Premier League would solidify his position among the top talents in the game. However, this ascent was not guaranteed.

During the spring of 2019, prior to joining Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, the Dutch prodigy was still a member of Volendam's academy team and was expected to be let go that summer. His potential was not readily apparent to all.

A new perspective came with the arrival of a new regime. Wim Jonk, the former Netherlands midfielder, was set to become the head coach in the upcoming summer. Jasper van Leeuwen would take on the role of sporting director. Luckily, both were present to witness an U19 game in April.

"They were amazed and intrigued by this individual," recalls Ruben Jongkind, who was joining Volendam as the head of methodology. Jongkind had also been involved in the unfinished transformation at Ajax with Johan Cruyff. These individuals possessed a keen eye for recognizing exceptional talent.

Coming from Ajax, where we had nurtured numerous talented young players, we encountered a boy who possessed an exceptional skill set consisting of incredible speed and exceptional dribbling ability from the back. This truly impressed us," Jongkind reveals to We.

Upon inquiring about him at the club, we discovered that he was considered the fifth-choice center-back and were informed that he had been advised to find another club due to his perceived lack of skill. This news alarmed us. However, as soon as we began working with him in June, we wasted no time in offering him a new contract." Remarkably, within a few months, he rose to become a regular starter for the first team.

Initially, it seemed like a difficult beginning for Jonk and his team at a struggling second-tier club in the Netherlands. The lack of supporters and subpar football were disheartening. However, they managed to turn things around by implementing Ajax's innovative concepts, revitalizing the team's prospects.

"Our approach with Jonk mirrored the one utilized with Ajax players – employing the same individualized training model and embracing the Cruyff philosophy. Despite having a budget much smaller than Ajax's academy, we were able to polish a raw talent into a shining gem."

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Micky van de Ven's performance in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg has been truly impressive. He stood out as a distinctively unique player. "I've worked with world-class athletes in athletics twenty years ago," Jongkind reveals. "Even at Ajax, with the most talented players, I've never seen a defender with such incredible speed. It's absolutely mind-blowing."

As transfer rumors swirl around in Volendam this summer, Van de Ven's rising reputation has caught the attention of the head scout who has been revisiting old reports on him. Interestingly, this talented defender was once considered a striker.

"They initially saw him as a center-forward and even tried him out on the left wing," Jongkind chuckles. "However, it became clear that he wasn't quite up to par in those positions, leading to his transition to defense." This sheds light on why his early defensive shortcomings may have clouded people's judgement.

In the past, his heading and one-on-one skills were not as strong due to his previous position as a forward. As he mostly played on the attacking side, he lacked the necessary defensive techniques. His movement resembled that of a giraffe, indicating the need for improvement. However, he always possessed a strong desire to enhance his abilities. He had an obsession with winning, be it in any small game such as darts. This obsession translated into his training as well, where he gave maximum effort. Even in small-sided games, he excelled in duels and could easily defeat his opponents.

The buzz surrounding Van de Ven's potential caught the attention of the well-known agent, the late Mino Raiola. According to Jongkind, Raiola was quick to recognize the opportunity, as he had previously profited greatly from Ajax players.

After Volendam turned down offers of €1.5m from Wolfsburg and Marseille, Van de Ven and his agent decided to take legal action against the club in an attempt to terminate his contract. Jongkind refers to this as "a lengthy ordeal that could have had serious repercussions for Dutch football" if the ruling had not been in their favor.

Instead, Volendam was awarded a remarkable €3.5m alongside bonuses - marking the highest payment ever made for a player in the second division of the Netherlands. In addition, a sell-on fee of 15 per cent was included, which was not initially part of the proposed deal.

This specific detail could hold great importance this summer, considering the current financial figures at play. "For us, it might account for half of our yearly budget." This event holds significant significance for a club currently competing in the Eredivisie, having managed to remain in the league last season with the second youngest squad in Europe.

Since his departure, everyone at the club has been closely monitoring the progress of their former academy player, and it is simply another reason why. At Wolfsburg, his speed and determination still shine through. In fact, he holds the record for the most blocked shots among all players in the Bundesliga last season.

According to Jongkind, it's not just his defensive prowess that sets him apart. He has a unique technique of using his hands to fend off opponents, making it nearly impossible to reach the ball. Moreover, his long limbs make it incredibly difficult to approach him, and once he starts accelerating, there's nothing you can do to impede his progress.

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Micky van de Ven's exceptional talent in shielding the ball from opponents is truly remarkable. Add to that his versatility, as he can seamlessly switch to the left-back position if required, and an incredible winning mindset, and it's no wonder he is highly sought after. It is anticipated that his game will further flourish in a more formidable team, with improvements expected in his build-up play and the swiftness of his passes.

Jongkind admires the remarkable untapped potential of his position.

Josko Gvardiol catches my eye due to his well-rounded skill set. While Micky may not possess the same versatility, his exceptional speed grants him immense value. His ability to advance the game during the build-up phase is particularly enticing for a possession-oriented team.

A special player whose talents are now obvious.

But they needed spotting that day in 2019.

He may have emerged in a different setting, although that remains uncertain. This narrative highlights the intriguing phenomenon of how individuals perceive talent and potential, as it extensively explores his shortcomings. Analyzing this aspect may prompt you to reconsider your stance.

By focusing on his exceptional qualities and dedicating effort to improving his weaker areas, you will witness the emergence of a truly exceptional talent.