Van De Vaart wasn’t pleased with one player who completely gave the game to the Spaniards
Raphael van der Vaart launched an extraordinary and scathing critique of an England star following their heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Spain triumphed over England with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, securing the European Championship. Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal proved to be the decisive moment, leading to widespread frustration among England fans. Social media was flooded with complaints and bitter reactions as supporters grappled with the disappointing outcome.
In the aftermath of the match, Van der Vaart did not hold back as he offered his blunt assessment of the encounter between Spain and England. His harshest criticism was directed at Declan Rice, whom he disparagingly labeled as ‘useless’ during a broadcast on Dutch television.
“€100 million for Declan Rice. What does he do? He only collects the ball to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless,” Van der Vaart exclaimed. “If you are truly worth €100 million, then you should be able to play a ball forward.”
Van der Vaart’s comments ignited a firestorm of controversy. Rice, who had been a key player for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta in the previous season, started every match for England during Euro 2024. Despite his consistent presence on the field, Van der Vaart questioned Rice’s impact and contribution to the team’s performance.
The former Premier League star went on to challenge Rice’s ability to operate effectively as a No.10, a position that requires creativity and forward-thinking play. Van der Vaart’s remarks suggested that Rice’s style of play was too conservative for such a pivotal role.
Turning his attention to Jude Bellingham, who had played a crucial part in setting up Cole Palmer’s equalising goal, Van der Vaart continued his critical analysis. “Jude Bellingham isn’t there for the finesse; he’s a strong lad who keeps going for the full 90 minutes. The number 10 on his back is debatable,” Van der Vaart stated.
“Sure, he can wear the number 10, but for me, he is not a true number 10,” he concluded.
Van der Vaart’s comments have stirred significant controversy, with many fans and pundits debating the validity of his harsh critique. Some agree with his tough assessment, arguing that players with such hefty price tags should deliver more impactful performances. Others defend Rice and Bellingham, highlighting their contributions to the team’s overall performance and the difficulty of playing against a formidable opponent like Spain.
Rice, known for his defensive prowess and ability to break up opposition play, has been a subject of high praise and immense transfer fees. His move to Arsenal had been one of the most talked-about transfers, with many expecting him to be a transformative figure for both club and country. Bellingham, on the other hand, has been celebrated for his physicality, endurance, and potential to become one of the top midfielders in the world.
As the dust settles on England’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, discussions about the future roles and potential of players like Rice and Bellingham continue to dominate the football discourse. Analysts and fans alike are debating whether England’s tactics need to evolve and how best to utilize the talents of their star players in future tournaments.
The defeat to Spain has also prompted broader questions about England’s overall strategy and the need for tactical flexibility. The reliance on certain key players and the ability to adapt to different styles of play will be crucial as England looks to rebuild and prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Meanwhile, Van der Vaart’s comments have ensured that the debate around England’s performance and player selections will remain a hot topic. His blunt and unfiltered opinions serve as a reminder of the high expectations placed on footballers at the top level and the intense scrutiny they face from both the media and former professionals.