“They’re all stupid” – Van der Vaart explains why he didn’t find it hard at Tottenham
Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart has sparked debate with his blunt assessment of English football’s quality, claiming he found success in the Premier League because many opponents were “stupid.”
The Dutch midfielder, who enjoyed two prolific seasons at White Hart Lane between 2010 and 2012, made the eyebrow-raising comments during an appearance on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo program while discussing Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
Van der Vaart’s time in North London saw him register an impressive 28 goals and 18 assists in 77 appearances, statistics that established him as a fan favorite during his spell.
However, the 41-year-old attributes his success more to what he perceives as tactical naivety in England rather than his own technical superiority.
“It’s not that bad,” Van der Vaart said of the Premier League’s standard. “I loved playing there because they’re all so stupid there. Defenders never cover properly – you get all the space you want.”
The former Real Madrid playmaker suggested the league’s reputation for intensity stems from atmospheric rather than technical factors, adding: “Because the crowd is so close to the pitch, and that comes across on television, it looks incredibly fast. But in terms of actual football quality? It’s really not that special.”
These comments came as Van der Vaart dismissed Arsenal’s credentials ahead of their Champions League semifinal against PSG, maintaining the Gunners have overachieved this season.
When challenged about the clear gap between the Eredivisie and Premier League, the 109-cap Netherlands international doubled down on his controversial stance.
The remarks have drawn mixed reactions from football observers. Some point to Van der Vaart’s own decline after leaving Tottenham – managing just two appearances in his final season before underwhelming spells at Hamburg and Betis – as evidence that the Premier League’s physical demands eventually took their toll.
Others note that his creative statistics in England actually support his argument about finding more space compared to more tactically disciplined European leagues.
What remains undeniable is Van der Vaart’s impact during his peak at Tottenham, where his technical quality shone despite his later criticisms.
His assessment, however provocative, touches on an ongoing debate about whether the Premier League’s relentless pace sometimes comes at the expense of tactical sophistication – a discussion that has gained fresh relevance as English clubs face renewed challenges in European competition.
While current Premier League stars may take exception to Van der Vaart’s characterization, his comments reveal an intriguing perspective from a player who experienced success in multiple top leagues.
Whether interpreted as honest critique or sour grapes, his remarks add another layer to the perpetual conversation comparing Europe’s elite competitions.
For Tottenham fans who fondly remember his deft touches and crucial goals, the Dutchman’s controversial opinions likely won’t diminish his cult hero status at the club.