Rafael van der Vaart: How To Be an Instant Spurs Hero

The astonishing impact of Rafael van der Vaart at White Hart Lane has turned him into an instant hero to the Spurs faithful.  His dramatic last-minute arrival signalled the start of a sequence of excellent performances for his new team.  Like a footballing Jack Sparrow  he has taken over the ship and is leading the way with energetic and inspiring performances, looking totally confident in his ability to show the way to players with far more Premiership experience.

Not since the arrival of Jurgen Klinsmann has there been such excitement about a new signing, nor since David Ginola's mercurial skills were on show has there been so much expectancy when a player has possession. I can feel a roller coaster coming on for Spurs fans.

After back-to-back powerful performances the international break postpones the eagerly awaited next instalment of the van der Vaart show.  You would think he will be playing for the Netherlands in Moldova this week but he has been used sparingly in recent times by his national side.  I hope he gets a chance to show the sort of form he is in to his fellow countrymen too.

Harry Redknapp has said that Rafa gives him a selection problem because he unbalances the team with his nomadic positional sense.  I can understand this and the set up for the second half of the Aston Villa game seems to be the best option with van der Vaart in behind a lone striker.

Whatever the set up van der Vaart's infectious enthusiasm to play the game at lighting pace has made him an overnight sensation for Tottenham.  I am sure shirt sales must be flying high too.  I can't wait to see him smash another unstoppable volley into the net.  It looks like an exciting season ahead again for the Spurs.