Rafael van der Vaart makes explosive claim ahead of north London derby
Rafael van der Vaart makes explosive claim ahead of north London derby
Former Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart has said Arsenal have no world-class players in their squad ahead of Sunday’s north London derby.
The Gunners sit atop the Premier League table but have come under fire in the last few weeks after dropping points in each of their last two league games. A great deal of attention has been focused on the mental resilience of Mikel Arteta's side, particularly after they let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 against rock bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney got tongues wagging earlier this week after stating that the Gunners do not have a superstar, although he maintained that they will win the league title this season.
Speaking on Sky Bet, Van der Vaart, who played for Spurs between 2010 and 2012, echoed Rooney’s sentiments. He said while the Gunners have good players, none of them are world-class, arguing that they do not have the mentality to withstand pressure.
“Arsenal do not have any world-class players – I agree with Wayne Rooney,’ Van der Vaart said. “Perhaps it is better to say that Arsenal have ‘stars’ in their team – they have really good players, but nobody is world class. To be a world class footballer, it’s not just about your performances, you need the attitude on the pitch.
“When I look at this Arsenal team, they are all ‘Ideal son-in-law’s,’ as we say in Dutch – they can play well, but I don’t think any would succeed if they went to Real Madrid because the mentality is much harder and there is a lot more pressure.”
Arsenal not strong enough to win quadruple – Van der Vaart
While the Gunners have endured a massive setback in the league, they are still in contention for all four trophies. They are in the Champions League last 16, having finished first in the league phase. They are also set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final and will lock horns with Mansfield Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
“I don’t think Arsenal are strong enough to compete on all fronts and challenge for the treble or quadruple,” Van der Vaart added. “Obviously, when you are still in all competitions the hope is there but to win everything, that is too difficult.”
It remains to be seen how the Gunners will respond to Wednesday’s setback against Wolves. They lead at the top by five points over second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.