Rafael van der Vaart questions Harry Redknapp

Posted Wednesday, October 05, 2011 by The Sun

Rafael van der Vaart questions Harry Redknapp
FRICTION ... Rafael van der Vaart

RAFAEL VAN DER VAART is risking a massive bust-up with Harry Redknapp after questioning the Tottenham manager's judgment.

The Dutch star feels he was played out of position against Arsenal on Sunday, should not have been subbed and claims his boss was out of order talking about the player's injury problems.

Van der Vaart said: "I have definitely had a series of irritations. You want to play in the position where you do best.

"But if I have to chase after an attacking full-back every time, I can't play my own game to my best ability.

"Sunday was not the first time I have played out wide and I was given the freedom to move infield. But you could see from the goal I scored that my strength lies in the centre of midfield.

"It proves that I am more dangerous when I am close to the goal than when I play out on the wing. I do what the manager asks me to but I hope this won't be a regular occurrence."

Redknapp had claimed he was protecting Van der Vaart in recent games because of his long-standing hamstring problems.

But the Dutch playmaker hit back: "In my opinion he made a mistake in making his comments about my most recent injury.

"He took me off because he did not want to take any risks with me. I can understand that but I am convinced I could have played for 90 minutes.

"I was amazed to be taken off. I felt I'd played a great game. I scored and also three times put team-mates in one-on-ones with Arsenal's keeper.

"But I could perhaps understand it from a tactical viewpoint. Arsenal's left-back was continually moving upfield and I'm not the type of player who consistently runs after opponents."