Tottenham Hotspur central defender Micky van de Ven has opened up about the emotional impact of Dejan Kulusevski’s return to match action following an extended spell on the sidelines. In comments shared by journalist Chris Cowlin on X, the Dutch international expressed deep respect for his Swedish teammate, highlighting the tireless dedication and mental strength required to overcome an arduous 15-to-16-month rehabilitation journey.

Kulusevski made his long-awaited comeback in Tottenham’s 3-1 Premier League win over Coventry City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ending a prolonged absence that tested the attacker’s patience and resolve. For the Spurs squad, seeing the 26-year-old step back onto the pitch was a deeply moving moment that resonated across the entire dressing room.

Unwavering Belief Through Dark Rehabilitation Days

The road to recovery from severe knee injuries is rarely smooth, often demanding long hours of grueling physical therapy in isolation away from first-team activities. Van de Ven emphasized that throughout the entire process, Kulusevski never allowed self-doubt to creep into his mindset, maintaining an unshakable conviction that he would return to top-level football as quickly as humanly possible.

“It’s a bit emotional, I would say. If you see what he went through for the last 15, 16 months, the work he kept putting in and the belief he had over and over again that he will come back as quick as possible. He always believed. There was no day where he didn’t believe.”

Kulusevski’s return represents far more than just tactical depth for manager Roberto De Zerbi; it provides an irreplaceable psychological uplift for the entire group. Having witnessed the daily grind required to reach match fitness firsthand, Van de Ven insisted that every piece of acclaim coming Kulusevski’s way is entirely deserved.

“So, deep, deep respect for him and we’re all so happy to see him back on the pitch. He deserves every word of praise from everyone, because if you’ve seen what he’s been going through, big respect for him.”

With both James Maddison and Kulusevski now back in competitive action alongside Van de Ven anchoring the defense, Tottenham Hotspur head into the next phase of their domestic campaign bolstered by elite talent and an unyielding collective spirit.