Harry Redknapp happy with the impact of Rafael Van Der Vaart
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confessed that paying 8 million pounds for Van Der Vaart’s signature has more value than money.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has adapted to life in the premier league easily and has already scored 4 times in six appearances. The player managed another inspirational performance against Aston Villa over the weekend, when he scored twice to gift
his side all three points. It was yet another case of European hangover by Tottenham Hotspurs but Van Der Vaart, who has played the competition in most of his career, led his side to a memorable 2-1 win against Aston Villa. The win against Villa was Gerard
Houllier’s first loss in his managerial career with Villa.
The 8 million pound deadline transfer from Los Blancos was the scorer of both the goals as Spurs came from behind after conceding an early goal. It was youngster Marc Albrighton who provided the visiting side the lead, as Villa capitalized over a side which
seemed drained after their expedition in Europe. However, it was the Dutch midfielder who spoiled the party for the home side, when he found the equalizing goal in the 75th minute. That was not enough for the evening as Van Der Vaart found the winning
goal in the third minute of stoppage time.
"He's started well; he's going well; he's going great. He's always looking to get on the ball and he's always looking to score. He's got that knack of scoring goals. He's a good footballer and they always like a good footballer," stated the manager in praise
of the 27-year-old midfielder.
Van Der Vaart was unsettled in Real Madrid, owing to the emergence of various other quality players which include Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria. The Dutch had expressed his intent to transfer to Manchester United but owing to no
activity by the Red Devils, Van Der Vaart chose Tottenham Hotspurs. The transfer came on the last possible instance for the Dutch and an 8 million pound transfer fee was agreed.
The player has made an instant impact on the Spurs side and currently plays as a striker behind the centre forward. This position has given him the chance to really stretch his talents and explore the goal scoring capabilities he was unable to experience
in his time with Real Madrid. Van Der Vaart has already scored once in the UEFA Champions league as well as scoring three times in the premier league. His super long distance strike opened the Spurs account against FC Twente, which the side went on to win
4-1 at White Hart Lane. With striker Jermaine Defoe out of action for at least one more month, it would be up to Van Der Vaart to fill in that gap and play as a support to Peter Crouch.
With so many fixtures in line for Tottenham Spurs, Rafael Van Der Vaart has the ability to reach new heights and establish himself as one of the top midfielders in Europe. Redknapp has backed his abilities and claimed that Rafael has already been established
as a fan favourite. Spurs would be travelling to Craven Cottage to face Fulham next - a side that hasn’t lost at home for the past one year.
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