The Lilywhites last tasted glory in 2008, following their Carling Cup victory over rivals Chelsea at Wembley
During his early tenure at Tottenham, the former Celtic manager may have discovered a new playmaking talisman. The Lilywhites’ trophy drought has been frustrating for the past decade or so.
Even though the north London club had a long and unsuccessful run, they were still blessed with a number of exceptional players during that time. In particular, fans were able to see players like Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, and Harry Kane play in the modern era.
The cult hero Rafael van der Vaart, who is now retired after a two-year stint in English football following his arrival from Real Madrid in 2010, was also one of those who dazzled and delighted the Spurs fans.
Even though the playmaker’s time at White Hart Lane was brief—he returned to his former club Hamburg in the summer of 2012—the impact he had will undoubtedly be fondly remembered by those who worked there.
In his short time as manager, Ange Postecoglou may have discovered Tottenham’s next Van der Vaart even though it is early in his tenure.
9️⃣ years ago today, @rafvdvaart made his @premierleague debut! ????#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/K295WKam2Q
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 11, 2019
What was Van der Vaart’s performance for Tottenham?
Similar to how he did with Brennan Johnson, chairman Daniel Levy waited until the last minute to sign the experienced forward on deadline day 13 years ago. The frugal businessman paid just £8 million to get the player out of the Bernabeu.
Even though he made the last-ditch move, Van der Vaart quickly established himself in his new surroundings, scoring four goals and assisting once in his first six Premier League games. This performance helped the summer signing win the competition’s Player of the Month award for October.
That great start set the tone for the rest of the talented Dutch international’s sensational debut season. In just 28 league games, he scored 13 goals and had nine assists, and he also scored twice in seven Champions League games.
Manager Harry Redknapp referred to the 109-cap wizard as a player who was “always looking to get on the ball” and had “that knack of scoring goals.” In his second season at N17, the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals and provided seven assists.
The playmaker-turned-pundit was able to form a particularly potent partnership with the aforementioned Bale. In just 75 games, the two of them combined to score 52 goals and provide 46 assists, truly ripping defenses to shreds in both domestic and international settings.
Although it is not easy to find a player of Van der Vaart’s caliber, Spurs appear to have been able to acquire James Maddison this summer, a majestic midfield hero.
What amount did Tottenham pay for James Maddison?
Postecoglou has previously laughed off suggestions that the club had secured a “bargain” by signing the former Leicester City player, but in the modern market, it is difficult for any deal to be considered particularly low cost, as Van der Vaart’s was.
The Coventry-born genius had impressed Levy and co. with his stunning performances at the King Power Stadium in recent years. In particular, he had scored 30 league goals in the last three seasons.
Maddison is emulating Van der Vaart in providing both a creative and goalscoring threat as the link between the midfield and attack, and now that he has the number ten shirt from Harry Kane, he appears to be the man to emerge as the Lilywhites’ new talisman at the top of the field.
How has Maddison performed this season for Tottenham?
Despite the fact that the new season is still in its infancy, Maddison and Spurs have had a fantastic start to 2023/24, with the former Norwich City player quickly establishing himself as an essential presence in his advanced midfield position.
Tim Spiers of The Athletic praised the 5’9″ threat as a “joy to watch” during the recent 5-2 win over Burnley. He has scored two goals and provided two assists in just four league appearances for Tottenham, following in Van der Vaart’s footsteps.
Despite teammate Heung-min Son’s hat trick, Dom Smith of the Evening Standard wrote that the £40 million man was “integral again to everything Spurs do” and was his side’s “best player” in that crushing victory over the newly promoted Clarets.
The home defense was foolish to give a player of such quality so much time and space, and that all-around midfield masterclass was capped by a trademark curling goal from distance that flew past helpless James Trafford.
Maddison, who was nominated for the Player of the Month award last month and is currently ranked third in the division based on his 8.07 average match rating, has the chance to play like Van der Vaart.
The expectation will be that such a strong start isn’t just a fluke; the former Leicester ace must continue to shine throughout the season, just like the legendary Dutchman did before him.
Naturally, Maddison is demonstrating that he is the 40-year-old Van der Vaart’s heir apparent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, despite the fact that Van der Vaart may have been something of a one-of-a-kind talent.
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