5Q | Michel Vorm – ‘machine’ van de Ven, how Kinsky’s response to adversity ‘will shape him for the rest of his career’ – and the barbershop!
Michel Vorm experienced pretty much everything football could throw at him in 15 years as a professional - and he’s convinced the way in which Antonin Kinsky has recovered from his tough night in Madrid in March ‘shows his character’ and will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
‘Mich’ made 48 appearances for us in two stints, first between 2014 and 2019 - a period in which he helped us to UEFA Champions League qualification, a UCL Final, a League Cup Final and two FA Cup semi-finals – before rejoining us us midway through the 2019/20 campaign following a serious injury to Hugo Lloris.
He retired in October, 2020 before a third spell here in April, 2021 – this time as Goalkeeper Coach under Interim Head Coach Ryan Mason.
Spurs through and through, Mich looked on with both Lilywhite and goalkeeping eyes as Antonin was substituted just 17 minutes into our UEFA Champions League Round of 16, first leg at the Metropolitano last season.
However, with Guglielmo Vicario injured and Roberto De Zerbi in place, Toni was recalled for our last seven matches of last season. He was outstanding in those games and hasn’t looked back, signing a new deal and starting this season as Roberto’s number one. He’s also back in the Czechia squad for this international break.
Micky, meanwhile, Mich's fellow Dutchman, is seen as one of the best central defenders in Europe, also signed a new deal this summer and was appointed captain by Roberto in August.
So, plenty to talk about when Mich joined his fellow legends for a special visit to Hotspur Way...
Q1 | First of all, Mich, we all remember what Antonin Kinsky went through against Athleti last season – what does it take for a young goalkeeper to come back from that?
Michel: “Yes, what happened there, you don't see it often in football. So, that says a lot, and especially as a goalkeeper, you need confidence, even if you make mistakes. In this case, and he hadn’t played a lot at that time, you make mistakes, and you come off. It’s a huge game. So, if you then see how he came back, it says a lot. He's still a young goalkeeper. I followed him prior to Spurs, and you could see he was very talented, but I think how he has responded to this will shape him for the rest of his career.”
Q2 | He also came back in high-pressure games under Roberto De Zerbi at the end of last season, decisive games – what is the pressure like on goalkeepers in those type of matches?
Michel: “Absolutely immense. In my last season at Swansea, I had the same. We were fighting against relegation, and every game is a battle. After what happened, there was even more pressure on Kinsky. To be honest, I think he probably was the best player over those six, seven games he played at the end of last season. So, that shows his character. I go back to what I said before, I think this will shape his whole career.”
Q3 | One of Toni’s great strengths is also his passing ability, that lovely strike of his – goalkeeping has changed so much over the years, Michel – and you played through that evolution…
Michel: “Yeah, I went through it all. It's very interesting for me to see now, and not only at Tottenham... in football now, you're almost one of the outfield players. This is interesting to see, because it's not only at Tottenham, but you see it at national teams, you see it at different clubs. It suited my style of play as well. So, it would be different if I played now, in this day and age, but I think if you see what Kinsky can do with the ball at his feet, and goalkeeping-wise in general, I think he has it all. So, as a Tottenham fan, I'm very happy he plays for us. I think he could be brilliant, and he already showed that.”
Q4 | Moving away from goalkeeping – what do you think about your fellow Dutchman, Micky van de Ven?
Michel: “I spoke with him, I think, just after he signed for Tottenham. The thing is, he came from Germany, a totally different league, so the question was could he do the same here that he did in the Bundesliga, especially intensity-wise? He’s very fast, so he had to adapt, he’s overcome a couple of injuries and look at him now. Wow. He’s a machine. I think also with his age and his leadership on the pitch, I think he's going to be a very, very important player for Tottenham, but also for the national team of Holland. He’s signed a new deal, he’s committed to the club, and this is what you need. Both parties made a real statement – and he deserved it. For us, it’s brilliant.”
Q5 | Finally, what are you up to at the moment, Mich?
Michel: “I am not involved in football per se. I have the barbershop, that's still going strong. I'm planning to open a few more. I'm into padel courts, padel is so strong at the moment, massive in the UK. I’m also an ambassador for a diamond and watch company in Amsterdam. We do a lot in football. So, I still see and speak with a lot of players.”