It’s not very often that a foreign player signs for an English club, takes the league by storm and instantly understands the rivalries and the passion of the fans, but that’s exactly what happened when Rafael van der Vaart rocked up at White Hart Lane.
@rafvdvaart on point!#GoalOfTheDay #COYS pic.twitter.com/WX2za1TrF6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 22, 2020
The Dutchman is still to this day a massive fan favourite for the Lilywhites. His talents will not be forgotten by any Spurs fan who had the joy watching him at White Hart Lane, and for good reason after his mesmeric two years as a Tottenham man.
In just 77 games for the club, Rafa bagged 28 goals and 18 assists in front of the Tottenham faithful (Transfermarkt), and the real shame of the Dutchman’s time at Tottenham is that he wasn’t about for any longer, as he loved the fans, the fans loved him and he was pivotal in creating some special memories for the supporters.
Is Van Der Vaart a Tottenham legend?
Yes
No
You can read the Lilywhites’ thoughts on Van Der Vaart here:
I miss him
— Harry C (@HazSpur92) March 22, 2020
Made a difficult finish look so easy. Wish he stayed with us for longer.
— Damien (@DamienCOYS) March 22, 2020
Loved Rafa at spurs. What a player to watch and his passion for spurs was there to see and still is to this day.
— Gary (@garydonTHFC) March 22, 2020
That touch to start the move too!
— TM115 (@12MEM08) March 23, 2020
Best midfield we’ve had in 20 years
— yid (@yidoo90) March 22, 2020
Jesus !! What a goal, first touch from VDV outrageous
— Mark Redmond (@MarkRedmond2016) March 22, 2020
The Lilywhites have so much time for Van Der Vaart, and would love to see him return to the club one day in some capacity.