Could we see something of a mini-North London rivalry during Wednesday's Euro 2024 semi-final clash between England and the Netherlands?

If Ronald Koeman's side are to reach their first major tournament decider since Andres Iniesta conquered the globe for Spain back in 2010, a change on the team sheet may be required.

At least, that is the view of Pierre van Hooijdonk.

The former Dutch international striker who believes now may be the right time to hand Micky van de Ven his first start of the tournament. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has only played 66 minutes of football at the European Championships.

But after his starring role in the nerve-shredding last eight triumph over Turkey - Van de Ven making a crucial goal-bound block late on - Van Hooijdonk feels that officially the fastest player in the Premier League may be the Oranje's silver bullet when it comes to stopping the rampaging Bukayo Saka in full flow.

And, if Saka can maintain the form he showed during a dazzling display against Switzerland on Saturday, the Netherlands might just need every bit of help they can get.

"In the tackle, he takes the opponent with him so often. (Also) he can also correct a lot with his speed."

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With Saka lining up on England's right-hand side, Van de Ven's inclusion - potentially as a left-back or a left-sided centre-half in a back three - could be the Netherlands' best chance of stopping the Arsenal talisman in full flow.

"In my opinion, Saka is the most dangerous player for the English," the former Celtic and Nottingham Forest frontman adds.

"You often hear coaches say; 'we look from match to match'. Then, you look very specifically at that opponent.

"Then you could say: 'Saka is lightning fast, I'll put Van de Ven against him'."

The PS34 million signing from Wolfsburg was a revelation during an 'unbelievable' debut season in North London, his former coach at FC Volendam feeling he has everything in his locker to become a truly world-leading operator.

Van de Ven was quizzed too, via Algemeen Dagblad, about the prospect of going head-to-head with Saka in midweek as Koeman and Gareth Southgate battle for the chance to take on either France or Spain in Sunday's final.

"As a substitute, you can be a permanent asset," Van de Ven said. "The role I now have is a substitute. I know Saka from Arsenal. It is up to the national coach whether I start."

"Who's faster? Saka or me? If you look at the data, you already know the answer," the defender adds with a knowing smile, having topped the Premier League's official speed charts in 2023/24.

Netherlands face England in Euro 2024 semi-final "When you look at the data, Micky van de Ven is the quickest player in the history of the Premier League," adds Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool forward who is currently in the running to claim the Golden Boot.

Gakpo has three to his name. He was denied a fourth as Mert Mulder deflected his attempted shot into his own net during an enthralling quarter-final with Turkey over the weekend.

Dutch icon Ronald de Boer, meanwhile, agrees with Van Hooijdonk's assessment that Van de Ven is very unfortunate not have already secured a starting spot. Then again, it is difficult to make a case for dropping Manchester City's Nathan Ake after an outstanding campaign of his own.

"(Van de Ven) is great," De Boer tells Voetbal Primeur. "He almost deserves a starting spot.

"But Ake did a great job. He didn't let himself down in the last match either. But it's nice to know that you have such a player on the bench."