Ex-Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp believes his former club made a mistake in letting Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart leave the side in 2012.
Van der Vaart, who joined the north London club in the summer of 2010, scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists in 77 appearances for Tottenham in two seasons before leaving for Hamburg.
And Redknapp, who signed the Dutch international during his time as Spurs manager, believes the Lilywhites made a mistake to let him go.
“I find it strange Spurs let him go when they did in 2012”, Redknapp posted on Kicca.
The 68-year-old has talked up his time managing Van der Vaart and has spoken highly of his attributes, saying he regards him as a “fine, fine player.”
relatedNewsStory
“He was a fantastic player and that team with [Gareth] Bale, him and [Luka] Modric was a pleasure to manage.
“Rafa’s just a fine, fine player, he’s a fine finisher, can score goals, make them, play any pass and he’s a lovely lad”, he said.
Van der Vaart, 32, has joined Real Betis on a three-year deal and Redknapp feels the move to Spain will suit the Dutchman’s style of play.
“I’ve followed his career and he’s now gone to Real Betis.
“I think that’ll suit him. He’s never had pace so he won’t lose that and he’ll do well in Spain”, added Redknapp.
Redknapp managed Van der Vaart for two seasons at Tottenham and the Englishman’s departure from the north London club coincided with the midfielder’s move away from White Hart Lane in the summer of 2012.
