Rafael van der Vaart offers his verdict on reported Spurs target Frenkie de Jong

Follow us on Google Discover

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Former Tottenham Hotspur hero Rafael van der Vaart has been quoted by Voetbalzone as saying that was impressed with Spurs target Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands’ defeat to France on Sunday.

The inaugural UEFA Nations League continued on Sunday night, as World Cup winners France hosted the Netherlands at the Stade de France in their second game of the competition.

France had kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Germany, but managed to see off the Netherlands as they begin life after their World Cup win.

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for France, but they were pegged back after the break as ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel notched an equaliser.

France did get their win in the end though, as Olivier Giroud finally brought and end to his lengthy international goal drought to hand Didier Deschamps’ men all three points.

The Netherlands are looking to blood youngsters like Matthijs de Ligt, Donny van de Beek and Justin Kluivert, as well as midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who was making just his second appearance for his country.

De Jong, 21, is one of Europe’s hottest properties right now having starred in the Ajax midfielder with his dribbling, passing and poise, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that both Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur have failed with big bids for him.

Now, Tottenham hero Rafael van der Vaart has offered his view on De Jong, and has been quoted by Voetbalzone as saying that he thinks the Spurs target plays without fear and is calm on the ball, and whilst he does play bad passes at times, it’s because he’s taking risks – and believes it’s almost embarrassing that a player with just two caps is the best footballer in build-up play in the Netherlands squad.

“He has so much football in him and can play freely without fear,” said Van der Vaart. “He is always on the move and very calm on the ball. He has his wrong passes, but you have to dare to. If he is free, they will play it immediately. It is actually a bit embarrassing to see, but they are right. He is simply the best footballer in the build-up,” he added.