To say that Tottenham weren't at the races against Fulham at the weekend would be an understatement.

The north London club lost in embarrassing fashion as they shipped three goals without reply at Craven Cottage.

Numerous explanations have been given for Spurs' poor performance at the weekend, overconfidence and fatigue are just couple.

However, perhaps the most important part of Spurs' poor showing was the absence of one key player in particular.

Indeed, Micky Van de Ven missed this game with injury, and speaking on Premier League Productions, Owen Hargreaves has noted just how different a side Tottenham look when Van de Ven plays.

"I think when Van de Ven is on there they're a completely different side. Maybe they could be a bit more aggressive. I think they lack a bit of experience maybe, a young team, Bissouma, Sarr and Maddison are amazing young players," Hargreaves said.

So important We really can't emphasise enough just how important Van de Ven is to this Tottenham team.

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Ange Postecoglou's side live and die by their high line, and having the fastest centre-back in world football in that defence really does help Spurs play that front-footed defensive style with greater ease.

Unfortunately, Tottenham do struggle without Van de Ven in the team, and this is perhaps something that Posteocglou should look into. After all, you can't be so reliant on one player, especially in a defensive sense.

The Tottenham manager is a very stubborn individual, but he needs to find a Plan B for his defensive setup for times when Van de Ven is injured, especially as his hamstring problems seem to be a recurring issue that aren't going away anytime soon.

Spurs need to figure out what they're going to do when Van de Ven isn't available.