Rafael van der Vaart became much loved by Tottenham Hotspur supporters when he played for the club.
Arriving from Real Madrid in a last minute, and cut-price, move on deadline day of the 2010 summer transfer window, the Dutchman went on to stay with Tottenham until 2012.
It was a short Spurs stay, but certainly sweet, and Van der Vaart is considered as one of the best pieces of business Daniel Levy has managed to get through late in a window.
Because of that late surprise, Tottenham fans have since been more inclined to believe anything can happen even when there’s only hours left in the window.
He had been linked with rivals Chelsea previously, along with several other Premier League clubs, and seemed eager to give English football a go.
It’s a goal which won’t be forgotten, having ended up in the net courtesy of Kepa’s face.
Speaking to the Dutch programme Veronica, Van der Vaart (surely playfully) suggested Ziyech meant it and shouldn’t be questioned.
Dutch website SoccerNews quote him as saying: “I don’t think we should all say: it wasn’t meant to be. It was such a world class goal. Then you shouldn’t even ask him: was it meant to be? It was just meant that way. You know what was so beautiful? That that ball hit the post and went in via his head… Delicious.”
Kepa and Chelsea fans probably don’t see it that way, perhaps Van der Vaart is acting up for his old Tottenham support.
