Rafael van Der Vaart’s Dutch team-mate Arjen Robben believes that Tottenham have made a fantastic signing by landing the midfielder.
Harry and Levy landed the Dutch ace on transfer deadline day in a cut price £8million deal from Real Madrid in what could prove to be the shrewdest signing of the summer.
Robben believes that the capture of the player means that Spurs are now on an even keel with Arsenal.
The former Chelsea player said: said: “With Rafa on board, Spurs really do have one of the very best midfield players in the Premier League, maybe even the best.â€
He told the Daily Star Sunday: “I don’t know why he didn’t join Bayern in the end. I really wanted him but Spurs have bought a gem.
“In terms of his vision, his range of passing, his ability to split a defence and his eye for goal he is as good as Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard and of course Frank Lampard.
“He is that bridge for Spurs that makes them go from a very good Premier League club to a team capable of taking on and beating any side in Europe on their day.â€
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“When you consider the amount of money Real Madrid and Manchester City have spent on players, it’s almost unbelievable to think what Spurs reportedly paid for Rafa.
“Madrid almost gave away one of the best players in the world – but that’s their style.
“They got rid of me and Wesley Sneijder in the same summer and I went on to win my domestic league and get to the Champions League Final while Wesley went on to win the Treble and become the best player in the world.
“Madrid’s mistake will very much be Spurs’ gain.
“I knew of his interest in England and that van Persie had been speaking with him about how great life in London was.
“I think when Robin was trying to convince him how great London and the Premier League was, it was as though he was trying to convince him to join Arsenal.
“It’s kind of backfired on Robin a little bit now, though, because he has signed for their biggest rivals.
“Before Rafa signed, I’d still have had Arsenal down as the stronger team – but now I don’t think there is anything between them.â€
Robben added: “For fans who have not seen a lot of him, I would compare him to Cesc Fabregas. He can play out wide, but his ideal position is playing in the middle of the park as playmaker.
“Spurs can play him as they wish but he is by far the most talented player in their squad. If they don’t build the team around him in the middle, it will be a big waste.â€
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