Tottenham Hotspur’s star Dutch defender Micky van de Ven is coming off an underwhelming, injury-ridden season in the English Premier League, but may have received the perfect morale booster off the field as he gears up for the FIFA World Cup which kicks off on June 11, jointly hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

According to British tabloid The Sun, Van de Ven, 25, has found new love in English model Ella Buffin, 24. The centre-back was spotted enjoying a romantic holiday with Buffin in Marbella, Spain, last week. One source, who knew of the couple’s date night at an expensive restaurant on the trip, revealed: “They looked absolutely smitten. Micky was doe-eyed all night. It was such a beautiful setting and they looked so happy.” The couple spent half the day lounging around the pool of their luxury hotel before enjoying lunch at a trendy restaurant. They then headed of for a round of golf.