Rafael van der Vaart has suggested that new Tottenham Hotspur signing Radu Dragusin ‘looks like a fighter’ after securing his move from Genoa.
Tottenham came into January with Radu Dragusin as their top centre back target and everything seemed to be going well.
A spanner was thrown in the works though as German giants Bayern Munich making a move to hijack the deal.
Few would have backed Tottenham to win that race, but that’s exactly what they did as Dragusin picked a move to Spurs last week.
The Romanian centre back excelled in Serie B with Genoa last season and impressed in Serie A too, prompting Tottenham to strike a deal.
Dragusin was able to make his debut against Manchester United on Sunday, coming off the bench to help Spurs see out a 2-2 draw.
Rafael van der Vaart comments on Radu Dragusin to Tottenham Hotspur
The deal is exciting not just because Dragusin has huge potential, but also because Tottenham managed to fend off a European giant for his signature.
Former Spurs hero Rafael van der Vaart has now had his say on the deal, as quoted by Digisport over in Romania.
Van der Vaart noted that Dragusin fits the mould of a Premier League centre back because he is tall and strong, and feels that he did well in Italy.
The Dutchman added that Dragusin ‘looks like a fighter’ and offered advice on how to make Tottenham fans love him.
Van der Vaart feels that Tottenham want 200% effort and for any player to show how passionate they are about Spurs, so believes that Dragusin can earn the love of supporters by giving his absolute all and even more for the cause.
“They told me that he is from here and that he did a good job in Italy. Tottenham is a next step in his career, he’s a tall, strong lad, fits the style of the Premier League,” said Van der Vaart. “I haven’t watched him, he looks like a fighter, but the fans want to give 200%. That’s my advice to him, that’s how they’ll love him. You have to show that you want to play for the club,” he added.
Van der Vaart only played 77 times for Tottenham but scored 28 goals, going down as something of a cult hero after joining from Real Madrid.
The playmaker was looking to get his career back on track and certainly did that in North London, but Dragusin faces a different challenge.
Serie B to the Premier League in a matter of months is a big jump and Dragusin must now kick on and keep developing in arguably the toughest league in the world.
Add in that Dragusin faces competition from fellow centre backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, and it’s clear that this move to Spurs won’t be a walk in the park.
Dragusin will know all of that though, and will now take Van der Vaart’s advice on board in the hope of becoming the next Spurs hero.
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