As someone who has always had an interest (some have called it an obsession; meh) in football around the world, Rafael van der Vaart came to my attention about 10 years ago. Another graduate of the famed Ajax academy, breaking into the first team and showing his exciting talent on the world stage. First glimpses of him in European action showed that he was indeed a technically gifted player with the potential to go all the way in world football. This goal, from the 2003/04 season made that all the more clear:
van der Vaart backheel goal for Ajax
By this point van der Vaart had made his international debut for Holland and despite the odd injury setback was a regular in a young and exciting Ajax team also featuring Wesley Sneijder and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Van der Vaart occassionally played from wide positions, but was always more comfortable and effective in a central attacking midfield role. This is neatly illustrated by his scoring record at Ajax, 52 goals in 117 league appearances is fantastic for a non-forward.
His ongoing injury woes along with criticism in the Dutch press about his relationship with future wife Sylvie led to Rafa deciding to leave Amsterdam. That his ultimate destination was HSV Hamburg was a big surprise for many, he had been strongly linked with AC Milan and other top clubs had shown an interest over the previous years. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff was virtually speechless, not something that happens very often! He wrote this in his De Telegraaf column: “I don’t know what to say about it or what Rafael van der Vaart is doing in Hamburg.”
Nevertheless van der Vaart fit into the Hamburg team and very quickly became a leader on the pitch, top scoring for the team in his first season, then going on to assume the captaincy in 2006. During his time at Hamburg, van der Vaart also became more of a team player than he had before, adding numerous assists to his goal scoring repertoire. Upon his arrival at HSV, Martin Jol (he’s got no hair but we don’t care!!) had this to say about Rafa “he is one of the top five playmakers in Europe and dictates the rythym of Hamburg”.
Unfortunately for Jol, his playmaker was to be ripped away from him before the season got under way as van der Vaart finally made the move to a big club. They don’t come much bigger than Real Madrid and Rafa took his place among the Galacticos in 2008. He scored on his debut and a couple of weeks later hit his first career hat trick in a 7-1 demolition of Sporting Gijon. By the end of the year, due to his impressive form for Hamburg at the end of the season and his ballistic start at Madrid, van der Vaart found himself on the shortlist for the Balon d’Or. In the second half of the 2008/09 season it was rumoured that van der Vaart had fallen out with coach Juande Ramos (remember him?), even so Rafa still had a part to play, albeit mainly from the bench as an impact sub.
Summer 2009 saw Rafa face the biggest challenges of his life, on and off the pitch. With a clutch of new signings, not least Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, new coach Manuel Pelligrini left van der Vaart without a squad number and made it known that the Dutchman was available for transfer. Wife Sylvie was at the time being treated for cancer at Madrid’s prestigious Clinica Quiron and Rafa was loath to move himself and his wife at such a testing time. He vowed to fight for his place and indeed managed to claim a squad number for the season. Even so he was left on the bench in the early part of the year. Injury to Kaka however gave Rafa his chance, one he took with both hands, scoring six goals and providing 7 assists in 26 league appearances (10 from the bench) in the latter part of the season. This was the season when Madrid claimed their largest ever points haul in La Liga and would have walked the title if they hadn’t been up against Pep Guardiola’s Barca. Despite impressing coach and pundits alike in his ability to fill the Kaka void it was to be van der Vaarts last season in the Spanish capital.
With Kaka coming back to fitness, Jose Mourinho was always likely to favour the Brazilian. Mourinho may well be very much his own man, but he knows when to play the politics game. Kaka was and remains a favourite of Madrid president Florentino Perez, the Brazilian also cost €49m as opposed to the €13m spent on van der Vaart.
And so it was that on deadline day of the summer 2010 window the news emerged that van der Vaart was set to make a shock switch to Spurs for only £8m. This was Daniel Levy’s present to Harry Redknapp for getting Spurs into the group stages of the Champions League. A true world class player, on the back of a World Cup final appearance, to complement the burgeoning talents of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. True, Rafa wasn’t the striker that everyone knew Spurs needed, but he was a unique talent who could provide the Lilywhites with that extra factor.
Despite what some will have you believe, van der Vaart is a match winner. He has proved this throughout his career and continues to do so with Spurs. In his first season, he top scored with 15 goals from 36 matches in all competitions. His eight assists in the league were also a club high. Still it was his fault that Spurs didn’t do better right? No, obviously not.
Trying to shoe horn Rafa into a 4-4-2 or the 4-4-1-1 variant with the wrong players was the mistake. Rafael van der Vaart plays best as a central attacking midfielder. He’s proved this time and again throughout his career, flourishing when given this role at all of his clubs and at international level for the Oranje. His first few months at Spurs showed this, playing off Peter Crouch wasn’t an ideal partnership but due to Rafa’s intelligence, movement, sheer quality and finishing it worked, until teams started cutting out the big diagonals to the back post.
After his blistering start to the season, including a key role in the North London Derby comeback victory at the home of the enemy, his season became affected by injury. Too often it seemed he was rushed back – or rushed himself back – into the team and it was in the second half of the season that he was to start to fade in matches and his fitness was questioned. For this part of the season, Harry Redknapp also decided that right wing was the answer to accomodating Rafa in his team. Wrong again Harry. In a 4-4-2 it is suicidal to play van der Vaart in that role. He is, as he pointed out after the latest North London Derby victory, (his discussion of this was written eloquently about by Mel Gomes here), not a winger and tracking players back and holding a wide position is not his natural game. Some offer this as proof that he’s not a team player and that his inflexibility mean there is no place for him in the Spurs team. It’s as if van der Vaart is the only player in the squad who can only play one position. How versatile are Defoe, Adebayor, Dawson, Assou-Ekotto, Parker, Friedel? Should they all be discarded, because they can only play one position? No, of course not, nor should van der Vaart. A common lie about van der Vaart is that he’s always left teams because no one could fit him in to the side. That’s all it is though, a lie; he left Ajax because of the ‘goldfish bowl’ effect; he left HSV because one of the world’s biggest clubs came calling; and he left Madrid because he wanted to play and a former World Player of the Year stood in his way.
van der Vaart loves it at Spurs
The sooner Redknapp and others realise how outdated 4-4-2 is and how vulnerable it makes Spurs against big teams the better for the team and for his ability to get van der Vaart into the team in his favoured role where he can impact games, positively, on a regular basis. A 4-2-3-1 formation is the future, as seen in the first half away to Wigan. Two defensive midfielders mean the fullbacks can push up and be sure not to leave the centre backs exposed, while it leaves a dynamic trio of van der Vaart, Modric and Bale roaming behind a talented solo striker in Adebayor. That first half at Wigan provided some of the most fluid football seen from Spurs, or anyone in the Premier League for that matter, in a long time. That kind of football is possible from the 4-2-3-1 formation and it’s a myth to suggest that teams can’t play with one front man at home. Tell that to Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Spain, Germany and countless other top club and international sides.
It’s baffling as to why some Spurs fans criticise van der Vaart and would be happy to see him leave in January, he always shows his passion and dedication to the cause out on the pitch. This is shown even more in North London Derbies, he has four goals in three appearances against Arsenal and always looks more up for it than most, as his joyous and passionate celebrations show. In last seasons 3-3 draw at The Lane, he revelled in schooling Jack Wilshere, nutmegging him twice in twenty seconds:
Rafa takes on Wilshere and wins
Another criticism from van der Vaarts performances last season were his propensity to drop deep in looking for the ball. This was hardly surprising, the whole team were in a funk and getting the ball to the players that could do the damage was proving a struggle. Van der Vaart isn’ the first and won’t be the last top class player to try and go and influence a game from deep and get a grip on the ball, Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gerrard to name just three who all display this same trait.
All in all, van der Vaart is the finest example of a game changing player Spurs have had since Paul Gascoigne. He’s not perfect but then no one is. He does however have 92 caps for the Dutch national team, no mean feat in any generation. He has played for Real Madrid and also starred in European competition for Ajax, Hamburg and now Spurs. World class talents like van der Vaart don’t rock up at your club on a regular basis. They should be enjoyed while they are around and I for one see it as a privilege to watch such a player in action.
COYS
Stuart Watts ( @Studub on Twitter )
Related posts:
Spurs News 24/7
your a class A douchebag we play better with two natural wingers and two forwards thats why we finished 4th if you actually looked at the 09 10 season we create more chances we defend better as a team because our wingers track back to help out the full backs
yea fair enough there gonna be times where we gonna have to play 4-2-3-1 away at the likes of chelsea city and united (next season) but for the majority of times and when we are at home to the top teams we have to play 4-4-2 cause we can beat anyone on our own ground with niko or lennon playing on the right and rafa doesnt get into the team cause he doesnt do his job when playing on the right
btw he drops to deep to receive the ball look at the likes of david silva never drops deep as he knows where you hurt the opposition is to find space between the defence and midfield where he knows he can just boss the game
I think the most important question is what do you do when Adebayor isn’t fit to play… because playing this system all season basically means that Defoe or Pav are not getting game time, and both players (Defoe especially) rely on a run of games to show form. This system relies on the fact that we are expecting Adebayor to stay fit all season. Also I never want to see Pav play for us again and we all know Defoe cannot play up front on his own. I would play Defoe and Adebayor upfront for one reason, because Defoe for the first time looks like he might actually be able to form some sort of partnership with another striker. Van der Vaart is quality but there are plenty of examples of wingers that don’t want to track back, but they do because its their job (apart from Taarabt). I agree that maybe 4-4-2 doesn’t work great against the top 4 (3 now) but there are 16 other teams to play and Harry has shown that being brave and playing an attacking team has yielded positive results in the past. the season we finished in the top 4 we played 4-4-2 all season. The problem i guess is trying to accomodate Sandro, Park and Mods into the midfield as all three players are too good to be on the bench, but these are just my opinions. Good Article though!
I was tempted to rant but I cant type that fast so I’ll put this succinctly: In addition to the point above about 442 being a comfortable formation for us, the main problem with Rafa is that their is not enough space on the pitch for both Rafa and Modric. It seems Moddie’s attacking potential is inhibited when Rafa is on the pitch. but Mod is a better choice because he works harder for the overall team play I think. So its a case of playing a 4231 without modric on the pitch and having Sandy and Scotty feeding Rafa in order to get the best out of him, otherwise, He just gets in the way. That, and spurs don’t really have the quality strikers (apart from Adey now} to hold up the ball so that rafa can really do his thing. So much for being succinct!
Completely agree, 4 2 3 1 it has to be. I understand the argument that 442 works for us, just can’t understand the opinion that JD should start in front of Rafa, it’s crazy, surely you make use of your best assets, building around them. It’s like having a Aston Martin, but leaving it at home all the time because your smart car does more miles to the gallon.
I like JD, I just think he has gone off the boil, snatches at shots, first touch is awful, rarely touches the ball in fact (see Windys article), he scored a couple of goals yes, Wolves, liverpool with 9 men & shamrock.
For me, 442 doesn’t accomodate Rafa & Modric, when Rafa is playing off the front man, as he drops too deep, and Luka becomes less effective. The 4231 could equally have Luka/Rafa issues, if we are going to play rigid positions, but why, with 2 tenacious holding players (Sandro/Parker), surely that would give us the opportunity to play Bale, Vdv & Modric ahead of them, but then like Barca, no particular positions, rotating, swapping, with Modric & Bale tracking back when necessary.. Obviously playing this against United/City may backfire, or just as likely to backfire if playing it without Ledley at the back. I think it could work, I would be quite excited by it, played in the right way, Defoe, Pav or Ade could play up front.
To me VDV hasn’t looked happy this season. Looked flat at Old Trafford, going down the tunnel, complaining about the Europa squad, about Harry, about playing RM and tracking back, don’t look like scoring when Adebayor, and not fit enough to last more than 60 minutes. These are all signs that suggest he is not at one with the smiles we see from the rest of the players.
Now a fit and happy Rafa is a great asset and I like his passion too We saw that at its best in the first half of last season but have seen fewer great performances since then. Last year we often gave him a largely free role usually with Crouch as his water carrier mainly through lack of alternatives. But this season is different. The competition for places is stronger. The natural striker choice is Ade +1 and Defoe looks the more likely to thrive there and even if he is a lesser player than a fit VDV. Maybe the fact that he is no longer an automatic choice plus his fitness issues are what I am noticing in his demeanour. I hope he gets it together and can shake off the injuries and regain full fitness because he can be a big player for us this season. He needs to be doing it sooner rather than later though.
Starting a blog, one interesting article already and more to come, would appreciate followers
http://tottenhamhotspur1882.blogspot.com/
Absolutley spot on,and the sooner Redknapp realises that 4-2-3-1 is the way foward the better,as you know I am a massive fan of the Bundesliga and when I watched Rafa at Hamburg I just found myself sayin “wow”everytime,I’ll be honest though his injury record is questionable,but for me he is truely class.
I agree with Real Madrid… Impact sub.
Rafa is a great player but does what he likes, helps the team but only on his terms. If he came on about 10 mins into the second half when both teams are just starting to tire a little his style of play would be great for us and diabolical for them. As it is Defoe has been left out after a good start so his confidence may be on the wane again. Pav who shouldnt start may be our only sensible option if Ade’s hamstring is at risk unless Harry wants to blood a young’un or possibly Gio?
As for the author of this piece talking about prefered places, if Harry placed Friedal on the wing you can bet that is the position he would play… he is a team player (obviously Harry wouldn’t .. well we hope not anyway). Harry put VDV wide right against Le’ Arse but he was often in the middle with Defoe (being a team player) passing to him? Now what chances does this present Defoe to score, VDV himself said he is more effective in the center and by effective he means able to score. If he is there the strikers spread out to not clog it up and as a result the strikers do not score and the midfielder does. when this happens a midfielder looks good and the strikers all look bad sound familiar?
I remember when Rafa first start playing for Spurs he and Luka were often getting in each others way and space. But after a few games they figured it out. They are both very smart footballers and it was only a matter of time. I think that at times early on a 4231 may not always look as fluid but with players the caliber of Adebayor, Modric, VDV, Bale, Parker and Sandro they will make it work.
I actually think that Defoe has looked better. However, he is just not nearly the player that VDV is. Playing 4231 or 433 allows are best players to play in their best positions.
I think its a really well written piece.
To me there is no doubt he’s a really good player, although we have other really good players so things dont need to revolve only around him.
The fact is that we play numerous games a season against many different types of opposition and we should be able to adapt our team/formation according to who is fit/available/playing well/quality and threats from opposition/how the match is progessing etc. For me, this will sometimes mean 4231 or 442 or 433, etc
What does need to happen is that he needs to understand and accept that he wont play every game (and not always 90 minutes) and that whilst he is very effective in a specific role there are times when we’ll need him to do something else.Thats just being a grown up/team player.
Perhaps Rafa could be reminded that Modric has played on left and right wings when required, Bale has played at LB, Kaboul at RB, Townsend and Rose at LB, Krank on right wing, Lennon on left, etc. I would put Bale and Modric very much at the same level as VDV so he shouldnt expect to dictate how he is used any more than they do.
Another one who thinks he knows more about football than Harry Redknapp. Which sides have you managed? You even contradict yourself, just another armchair fool.
Thanks for the comments.
For those that struggle with the concept, this is a blog, it is my opinion. I am under no illusion that everyone is going to agree.
Where do I contradict myself Clive? Why I bother asking you I don’t know because you basically just slate everything I’ve ever written. Why you bother reading is perhaps the more pertinent question?
Josh, for the record it’s ‘YOU’RE a …’ not ‘YOUR a..’ At least get it right if you’re going to insult me.
As for 442 it is dying in world football. This isn’t just my opinion but that of the majority of coaches and has been widely reported by many leading pundits. Most recently by the esteemed Johnathan Wilson in last months World Soccer.
For every rule there is an exception and yes Harry has used it to good effect on occassion. Those occassions are reducing year on year. Oh yeah, in case you struggle the to get it, this bit is MY OPINION.
Excellent article…and spot on despite some of the comments here…(We got 4th ‘cos we played 442!?!?…we won the double playing 235…perhaps we should try that!).
The statistics actually bear out that VDV has been more important than Defoe so far. I love Defoe, but its becoming clear that he is unlikely to return to the form of a few years ago (oh how I hope I’m wrong! And that’s a whole different issue – and a much more scarey one if we cant, as looks likely, keep Adebayor).
It’s not a case of him refusing to play; he’s not exactly the dutch Tevez ffs! Its quite clear he operates much, much more effectively in the centre behind the striker. The abuse he’s received following his comments about playing RM have amazed me (well not really, given the average IQ of a certain group of fans). The thing about the dutch in general and VDV in particular is that they come from a culture of speaking their minds….and they often actually have a mind (not something we can, unfortunately, say about the average UK footballer). I’m wondering what would have happened if Hoddle had been asked to play out of position – well first, we probably wouldn’t have heard about it as news wasn’t the wall to wall/24hr thing it was then; but you get the point. Actually, remembering the way Glenda used to tackle, I’m thinking the fans would probably have been beating a path to the manager’s door to beg him not to do it!!!
It’s also funny to see how Modders seems to have been forgiven for his “Let me bog off to the Russians” strop…but VDV has become public enemy no1. Oh well, football is, as they say, a funny old game.
Agree with colinsc about him being best used as an impact sub.
Excellent article always check your site dont always agree but you talk sense think its null and void though sky sports say he is hamstrung again.
I don’t get the desire to go back to a 442. Spurs made it as far as they did in CL last year because they WEREN’T playing a 442. I’ll take Rafa any day over Defoe.
Great article. I might not every understand why the push for Defoe. Rafa had 15 goals last year, just a few off of when Defoe was in great form. I want to see great players and great football played at the Lane and away, this is done with Rafa on the pitch.
Come on chaps this a blog, not a playground and if you have any opposing opinions, at least make a constructive argument.
VDV is a very talented chap, but suffers terribly with his fitness and looks like he’s lost a yard of pace and gained a few kilos. He’s taken his chances well and his goal return is impressive. The problem for me is he slows the side down and if he’s not getting enough of the ball, then he becomes increasingly ill disciplined with positioning. What Lennon has lost going forward recently, he has made up with his defensive displays.
VDV clearly is not RM and for me doesn’t suit or our team doesn’t suit a 4411. In the 3 in front of Parker and Sandro is undoubtedly where he would be most suited. With 2 DM sat in front of the back four in a 4231, his pace and lack of defensive or positional attributes would not affect the side. In Mod, Bale and VDV we have 3 who are all capable of rotating the 3 like Silva, Nasri and Aquero do behind Dzeko.
I was a big fan when he arrived, but i have listed my concerns and I have a big issue with his ego, which i feel has never really recovered the blow at Real Madrid. We’re starting to signs of this with his strops being substituted and media outburst at Harry. He’s an asset when things are going well, but questionable when not. Unless we play a 4231 I personally would use him as an impact sub as we play quicker ball without him in a 442, which Harry is such a fan of. JD is a confidence player and needs games and goals. He’s started well with Ade and the two need to develop their promising partnership. That would only leave CM for VDV where Parker starts and Mod is just a far better all round player.
Thanks again for the comments. Pleased to see people able to disagree without abuse, thats the spirit!
@rleleu – thanks for always reading even if you don’t agree, thats good to know. I don’t think the blog is null and void cos he’s out this weekend, its not just about Sunday, it’s a general thing.
I have a guest writer doing a preview of the weekends game going up soon.
I don’t see why people seem to think they have the right to deny you of your own opinion when it’s clearly justified. Especially when it’s obvious that they’re too lazy to write in Standard English and use grammar, let alone write such a beautifully written article.
Great article – as stated its a blog with the writer’s opinion. Abuse is not needed or required! Well done for a great piece.