Micky van de Ven sends three-word Tottenham message after Liverpool win amid injury return hope

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has made his feelings on one teammate perfectly clear after his performance in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg win over Liverpool. Lucas Bergvall scored the only goal of the game four minutes from time with a composed finish - after superb work from Dominic Solanke.

Considering that a very similar starting XI conceded six to Arne Slot's side just a few weeks ago, it was an excellent team performance to prevent, arguably, the best team in the world on current form from scoring. Solanke, Bergvall, Archie Gray and new signing Antonin Kinsky were particularly impressive.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper only joined the club this past weekend, but showed off his character, distribution and shot-stopping ability with a fine display in between the sticks. Given the tough period he has endured, manager Ange Postecoglou was quite emotional in his post-match press conference - with some strong words on Bergvall and Gray.

On the latter playing so well again, Postecoglou said: "And in a position [centre-back] he's never played mate, you know, he's never played it. An 18-year-old. Name me another Premier League team that's got two 18-year-olds and one playing out of position consistently.

"I'm so happy they're at our football club and you know, in two or three years' time, I just pray to God that I'm the beneficiary of their talent, mate, because if somebody else is getting it, I won't be happy." Although it was a game with limited clear-cut chances, there were three major talking points.

The first of those arrived inside the opening few minutes when Rodrigo Bentancur fell awkwardly after attempting a diving header from a corner. The Spurs midfielder received treatment on the pitch for nine minutes - before being stretchered off and taken to hospital.

After the game, Postecoglou confirmed it was a head injury with the player himself then posting a positive update on Instagram. Prior to Bergvall's winner, Solanke scored, but VAR deemed him to be offside and thus disallowed the goal with referee Stuart Attwell announcing the decision to those in Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Moments after that, Bergvall was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for a late tackle on Kostas Tsimikas with controversy surrounding the decision heightening as he played a decisive role in the goal. Although Bergvall will be in the headlines, several Spurs players including Van de Ven made sure to hand praise out to Solanke as well.

On Instagram, alongside a number of action shots, Solanke wrote: "One leg down." A handful of Tottenham players were quick to reply in the comments with Van de Ven simply responding: "You are top".

Bergvall and Mikey Moore also sent positive emojis while Kinsky described him as the best striker that he's played with in his post-match interview. With the latter making his debut and Moore back in the squad for the first time in two months, Postecoglou has seen his ranks boosted in recent days.

Spurs still have several players out injured, but many are expected back in late January which means they could be available for the second leg at Anfield on Thursday, February 6. Both Van de Ven and Cristian Romero are on course to feature in that clash, with Richarlison another that could return very soon.

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