Rafael Van Der Vaart is hungry. He wants the ball all the time. This is undoubtedly an excellent quality in a player. Because of Van der Vaart’s appetite and his status within the Tottenham Hotspur side, he has quickly and firmly established himself as the first choice set-piece taker but after a series of dreadful decisions against Manchester Unitedon Monday night, this duty should definitely be put under review.
When playing against a side of United’s quality, every set-piece should be treated with great importance, there are few opportunities against the Champions and all should be taken seriously. Corners and free kicks must be viewed as a chance to test the defence and in particular, on Monday, to test the new goalkeeper. Van Der Vaart failed to do this completely. One of his corners didn’t even make it onto the pitch and he struck a horribly wasteful shot from 40 yards when both centre backs had gone forward. Harry Redknapp was furious and rightly so.
In the big games Van Der Vaart does get particularly carried away, the occasion seems to inflate his already considerable sense of self-importance and, whilst this benefited Spurs last season, particularly in the Champions League and against Arsenal at White Hart Lane, it was evident on Monday that his enthusiasm doesn’t always benefit the team. Aside from screaming at Lennon and then throwing a strop, he was hot-headed and rushing on Monday when what was needed was a cool head. By all means put van der Vaart on the free kicks from the edge of the box, he cannot really do much worse than Gareth Bale’s return of 1, but when Spurs are trying to slow down play and take the pressure of their back four, the last thing they need is a selfishly taken, rushed set-piece.
Perhaps taking Van der Vaart off set pieces entirely is too strong a reaction to this one particularly poor display as he is undoubtedly a talented enough player to whip in a great cross, but getting him to calm down and reminding him of the priority to put the ball into a dangerous area might be a start. There are several other players capable of delivering in the Tottenham side, particularly Tom Huddlestone and Gareth Bale. It wouldn’t hurt to let them have a go and at least make Van der Vaart appreciate his responsibilities a bit more on the process.
Written by Philip Wroe for FootballFancast.com.
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Click here to have a look out our predictions for the 2011/2012 Premier League Season!
Or have a look at the ten strikers that we think will lead the race for the Golden Boot next season
yup, agreed.
speed.
Spot on but he was not alone our decision making was bad all night Bale Lennon Defoe where all guilty and in defense even Friedel whose shot stopping was excellent parred a ball straight back in the middle. Another problem he stays on his line like our old friend Robbo and we conceded Headers with him. Dawson gave Welbech a free header and Rooney. So if you look at why we made mistakes it was down to Utd superior fitness and here is something no one has mention no not energy drugs. Utds owners also owwn the Bucanners grid iron team who have some of the finest steroids known to man take a look at wellis muscles in the paper he has shot up since the under 21 tournament and Jones the American tour has helped put Buccnear on there buckin head especially mean lean Rooney Road Runner beep beep and all the extra speed even Moon face wide eyed Anderson and shed head Jones Evans ….
What else can I (or perhaps, we) say… Been saying this since he puts on the white shirt. Seemed no one in the coaches dug-out realizes it. Harry and his team of coaches are either stupid or blind! And…pls…can someone tell Harry “the Lying wheeler-dealer” to stop making-up stories… Read somewhere, he’s not into selling 3MP, he loves him (3MP)… Really…? He loves him or he’s in love with him?? Feck you Harry!
It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I could I want to counsel you few attention-grabbing issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles referring to this article. I want to read even more issues about it!