This is the place to post your comments and questions about Rafael van der Vaart, #23.

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2000

Answers

that should be 'on the 9th'....I type rubbish and this key board isn't helping either.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2003

Hiya! Good news! It's likely Rafael'll play against Feyenoord on the 9th! And...it's his birthday in the 11th of February, so if you want to wish him a happy birthday visit www.rafaelvdvaart.com (Official Website) and fill in the form. Take care, Luv Sally (Webmaster Rafael vd Vaart, English version)

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2003

Bad news in today's Algemeen Dagblad... The newspaper reports that Rafaël van der Vaart's musucular injury is more serious than it first seemed. An MRI scan at hospital made clear that he will be out for at least another month... :-(

This means that it's gonna be tight for the Arsenal games. Maybe he'll make those; maybe not. Which would F###ING SUCK!!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2003

oops sorry I typed my message two times, but the firt one wasn't in the forum when I checked it so typed it again. Sorry

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002

He A Friend of mine heard on radio yesterday that Rafael is going to try to play against psv on sunday. It would be very nice but I just hope it isn't to soon. By the way: Rafael said that if he is going to transfer to another team it would be Real Madrid or Barcelona, so I don't think he'll go to Liverpool.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002

well Ajax showed yesterday that they are able to play a realy good match without Rafael, that's a good thing. By the way: a friend of mine heard on the radio that Rafael is going to tray to play against PSV sunday . It would be very nice, but I hope it isn't to soon.....

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2002

Ajax.nl says Raphael is out 2 weeks.

The Roma home game, which was arguably the easiest group game, is starting to look a lot tougher.....gulp!!!

-- Anonymous, December 09, 2002

I live in Beverwijk too!!!!!!!!That is very nice i saw him las week by MCDonalds. Sometimes i see him in a shop or in his car that's very nice. I life by a footballclub, the kennemers. There is he,looking too his brother. That;s nice!!!!!!!!!! Love ajax and the players they are the best

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2002

Disturbing to hear the Liverpool and Houiller are interested in Raffie. Liverpool have some quality names in their squad, but they do not play great football. This would be a bad move for Raffie.

Houiller on the other hand is a shit manager who is not well liked or even respected by his peers from what I have read.

Don't do it Raffie! Stay clear of Merseyside!

For what it is worth, I think he should move onto Spain depending on the situation as they play some flowing football in La Liga.

I also hope that he keeps his head straight, and stays at Ajax for another 2 years at least. I think he must get stronger, and keep himself out of the training room.

Yes he has been unlucky with injuries over the past season or two, but he could expect much rougher treatment playing in England, Spain, or Italy that is for sure.

Cheers to all.

Rich

-- Anonymous, November 22, 2002

Same story from the FootballUnlimited.com website below. Again, high quality newspaper, but bear in mind, transfer rumours help circulation, even for the quality press....;o)

Houllier sets his sights on Ajax striker

Dominic Fifield Friday November 22, 2002 The Guardian

Gérard Houllier will attempt to sign the £12m-rated Ajax striker Rafael van der Vaart next summer. Liverpool's manager, having seen his team knocked out of the Champions League and off the top of the Premiership, is already looking ahead, with the 19-year-old Holland international top of his wanted list.

Van der Vaart, a second-half substitute in Holland's 3-1 defeat of Germany on Wednesday, is a product of the Amsterdam club's vaunted youth system and was the Netherlands' young player of the year after establishing himself in the Ajax team last season.

Houllier, always one to set long-term transfer targets, has turned his attentions to Van der Vaart in preference to Hakan Yakin, the Basle midfielder who inspired the Swiss team's progress in the Champions League at Liverpool's expense. Houllier had thought initially, and overoptimistically, that the 25-year-old had a clause allowing him to move for £800,000.

The European frustration may cost Liverpool about £10m in transfer investment so Houllier is unlikely to have significant funds to spend when the window opens in January and will wait until the summer to add to his squad.

-- Anonymous, November 22, 2002

From TimesOnline.co.uk: Liverpool head the queue for Van der Vaart

A reliable, high quality newspaper, but I'm pretty sure it's not true. Rafaël has a Spanish mother and Spanish family and has always said that a career in Spain is his dream.

Also, he has always said that he considers himself too young for an international transfer. He's onaly 19 years old and I'm pretty confident that he will play for Ajax for at least one or two more seasons. That's what he's always said in interviews, anyway.

-- Anonymous, November 22, 2002

Football.nl is running an article in which Dick Advocaat is quoted as saying he will limit the Ajax and Barca players to 45 minutes due to the heavy club schedules. This after he spoke with Ronald Koeman en Louis van Gaal.45 minutes? It took Raffie only 1/3 of that last time he played an international.Got my fingers crossed he'll be fine.

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2002

In whick football club do you wish to play after Ajax?

-- Anonymous, November 18, 2002

According to this morning edition of De Telegraaf, Rafaël van der Vaart will join the Ajax squad to Lyon today. It is, however, unlikely that he will be in the actual squad for Tuesday's game. The reasons why Koeman has him along are: 1) encouragement, reward for his hard work and patience, 2) because it allows him to keep training with the full squad and to get back to game level a.s.a.p.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2002

Excellent news indeed!

Rafaël van der Vaart is training at full power again. He is recovering so well that he may be added to the squad for the Lyon game, on Wednesday. Ronald Koeman said: "The final phase to full recovery always goes fast, with Rafaël. He's a player that doesn't need much time to get the rhythm again. There's a possibility that he joins us to Lyon, but we're not sure about that yet."

Some more team news for tonight's away game at RKC Waalwijk will be posted in the Injured Players thread...

-- Anonymous, October 26, 2002

Hi! I visited the ajax- training yesterday, and Rafael was training along with the group. He might even join the selection for the match against Lyon. That's good news , isn't it? bye! Yvette

-- Anonymous, October 26, 2002

Some news on Rafaël's recovery, taken from VI Planet.nl: Van der Vaart is recovering well. Unlike last year, there are no complications. The brace will be removed from his knee today, after which he can start exercising. Van der Vaart is expected to be fully recovered in three to four weeks' time.

Let's say he's back in four weeks... That means there's still hope for the Inter game! We'll see.

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2002

Sorry: I ment a week or 3 in my last sentence.

greetings from Netherland!

Yvette

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002

Nice to see dat Raffie gets famous abroad too :-Tough I realy hope he is continuing to stay in Amsterdam for a very long time. That blonde girl is his girlfriend indeed, and her name is Nancy Doesburg I think. His injury is pretty bad, and I think it has to do with the training young players get at Ajax; Johnny Heitinga; a young defender, who is almost just as talented as Rafael , and trained with him for years, is even more injured; he is not able to play football for the next 6 months. I think that Rafael will be able to play in a week or something. That's at least what his plan is.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002

This is just a question, for all you 'knowers'.. Do you know if he has a wife/girlfriend? Who is that blonde girl, who is always standing beside him in every photogallery? Please mail me.. Love Jannie:)

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

I am myself dutch, also for ajax..

The best players there are now, are 100% Rafeal van der Vaart Andy van der Meijde and Christian Chivu

The bad thing of this, Prolly Barcalona/Manchester or other great clubs will buy them in the future

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Perhaps Ben's blaming of the injury to Raffie isnot rational - but hey when has football ever been rational. Ben over the time I have known him appears to have a problem with Dicks (ie Advocaat, Jol etc and not part of the male anatomy)which is based on historical events over the last umpteen years. Therefore, this incident is just the latest in the long line of misfortunes to upset his beloved Ajax when a Dick has been involved.

-- Anonymous, September 11, 2002

I agree: why are people blaming Advocaat? If you want to see his post-game interview, go to www.knvb.nl (click on English News). He sounds like a fair-minded guy...why anyone would pin the injury on him is beyond me.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

Before we all go away to jump off cliff-tops etc, please remember that we won the double with Raffie missing for approximately half of last season. Great player - yes : will be missed - yes: but as per last year, other players stepped up a gear to compensate. This time around we have Jari as well, so hopefully they will keep the good ship Ajax afloat long enough to welcome Raffie back on board a successful outfit.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

I have to say that Raffie's injury is a major setback for him and the team, but why blame Dick Advocaat?

I know he coached our rivals PSV in the past, but he has nothing to do with some goon from Belarus hacking down Van Der Vaart.

At least Holland won the match. I read that young Oranje lost 0-1. This is not good.

Hopefully Seedorf and Sneijder get a chance with the first team.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

to Ben Bell:

What has Dick Advocaat to do with the injury of Rafael vd Vaart????????

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

I don't suppose there's any way to send greetings/support to v.d. Vaart? Wouldn't it be nice if we could send a care package?

Just a thought.

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2002

I'm no doctor, so don't ask me ;) Although I do think that the place of a former injury will always be slightly weaker than before.

In my last posting I mentioned that teletekst was spreading the news that his cartileges were torn off. But on tv they said that they were only torn in (is that the way you say that?) They are not completely severed. That makes more sense to me anyway, because I think you will always need surgery if something is completely torn off. Otherwise it won't grow back together in the right way. Ah well, teletekst is usually very reliable.

Let's all hope and prey that Litmanen stays healthy, especially for the Champions League.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

Arthur, do you know if that's the kind of injury that has a greater chance of re-occuring once it's happened even if it heals adequately the first time? Or is the carticlage as good as new once healed?

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

On the very reliable Teletekst it says that the MRI scan of Rafael's knee showed that the inner cartilage (?) of his left knee is torn off after all. The expected recovery time stated there is still 6-8 weeks, so I guess it doesn't make that big a difference. It still looks like he won't be needing surgery.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2002

Best wishes to Raffie for a speedy and full recovery. To lose a major talent in such a meaningless way is outrageous. One more reason to add to the list of why I dislike DICK Advocaat. More importantly, and just like last season when we were without our star for 3 months, it is time for Raffies teammates, the Litmanens, Maxwells,and Pienaars...to name a few...to step up and show what they are made of. Ajax has always been about versatility and interchangeable players. Never more than at a time like right now.HUP AJAX HUP!

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Menno wrote: "There's not, actually. Ajax.nl still has the report that was already there yesterday".

Hmmm, I had the window with ajax.nl next to that of ajax-usa when I was writing my last posting. I think if you had refreshed it, the new story would have shown. But it's ok, you don't have to apologize :p

On topic again: this is indeed very sad for Rafael. He's missing out on all the fun again after missing the Double last year. It will seriously slow his development if he doesn't get to play in the Champions League. After the six weeks, it will take some more time before he can actually play tough matches again. Hopefully Ajax will make the 2nd round, so he can play in that. Thank god we have Jari now.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Yup. Ajax.nl has confirmed it. Six weeks. News report is written and sent to Jim. Check the Ajax USA homepage later today.

Poor kid. He must have been looking forward to his Champions League debut. He will now miss at least three, maybe four out of Ajax' six first round games. Which SUCKS big time for everyone involved - except the opponents. But Jari will do the job.

Come on, Raffy. Just a little more patience. You'll be back in time for Lyon-away and Inter at home. All the best.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Arthur wrote: "but now there's also a story on the official website that mentions the 6 week figure for the recovery time".

There's not, actually. Ajax.nl still has the report that was already there yesterday, which says that it's unknown how serious the injury. But there is a report on NOS Teletekst now, saying that it's six weeks. I don't doubt it.

I will wait for confirmation by Ajax.nl and will then send a news report to Jim for publication on the Ajax USA homepage. This FUCKING sucks. Pardon my French. And the most frustrating thing about it is that it happened in the 80th minute, against some stupid opponent that was already beaten (3-0 when it happened).

It's not worth it, for Christ's sakes. If it's six weeks, he'll miss the first three Champions League games (Lyon at home, Inter and Rosenborg away) as well as F-Word away for the league... Damn.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Menno is right that I shouldn't have presented this as an absolute fact, but now there's also a story on the official website that mentions the 6 week figure for the recovery time. I don't know any medical terms in English, so I can't say what the problem exactly is, but there's some damage inside his knee. Nothing is completely torn off and it looks like surgery won't be necessary.

(This is a bit off topic, but the other Ajacied in Oranje, Andy van der Meijde was slightly injured as well. He fell on his shoulder and was feeling at it for the remainder of the match. He was checked yesterday and it turns out that he hasn't broken what I think is called the collar bone. He should be fine to play Ajax' next match)

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Ah, I see...

You read it on Ajax Netwerk. They based their report on what was said on SBS6 TV after the game. Well, everyone knows that Ajax Netwerk is the 'King of Premature News'. Also, the six-weeks-prediction on SBS6 was made with qualification: "if it is what we think and if he was hit as hard as we think it may be an injury that will keep him sidelined for six weeks".

By the way: I am very pessimistic about it. I expect six weeks, at the very least. But it's too early to announce this so positively, as if it's a fact.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

Arthur (and Carlo, and everyone): it is true that Van der Vaart sustained an injury, but it was absolutely not confirmed by any source whatsoever that he's out for six weeks. Ajax.nl says that it is as yet unknown how serious the injury is. Everyone knows that you can never say anything about that immediately after the game in which a player picked up a knock.

A player needs a good night's sleep first, so his body gets the rest that is required to recover from a game of football. After that, doctors can take a look to see how bad it is. I don't know where Arthur got his information from, but it's very premature.

Of course Ajax USA will run a news report once it's become clear how serious this injury is.

-- Anonymous, September 08, 2002

6 weeks?!! Damn!!! thank God Ajax signed Litmanen...shame we cant see them together in action for a while though

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002

Terrible news people. Rafael sustained a knee injury tonight while playing for the national team. Expected recovery time: 6 weeks.

Let's hope Litmanen can make up for this loss.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2002

HELLO I am a Celtic fan from Scotland. I would just like to say that VD VAART is an exceptional young player with all the qualties of becoming the best player in the world. Unfortunately for Ajax you will not keep him from going to Barcelona just like your manager.

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

NOS Teletekst and Ajax.nl report that Raffy has turned down Dick Advocaat's invitation for this Wednesday's Norway vs Holland friendly in Oslo. The reason: groin injury.

I'm absolutely sure thathe cancels this game out of precaution and that it's nothing too serious. But it does show how vulnerable Van der Vaart is and maybe always will be (just like Jari Litmanen, who also sustained injuries extremely easily).

I'm sure he will play against Vitesse, though.

Andy van der Meyde and (for Norway) André Bergdølmo will play on Wednesday.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2002

Rafael, you're all for us. Love you forever

-- Anonymous, August 10, 2002

what clubs does rafael van der vaart noes in portugal? who does he thinks that is the bigest football club in portugal? what are is planes for the future?

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

hey yo peepz!!!!!!AJAX 4 EVAH!!!!! FEYENOORD PSV EN NEC SUX!!!!!!!!RAFAEL VD VAART IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SWEET!!!DON'T MESS WITH AJAX AND RAFAEL VD VAART...... HOLLAND IS THA PLACE TO BE AND AMSTERDAM OFCOURSE!!!!!!!!! ROTTERDAM SMELLS DIRTY AND IT SUX!!!!AJAX IS OK OLE OLE!!!!!!!!AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DON'T MESS WITH AJAX?!?!?! OK??????? IS THAT CLEAR??JODEN OLE OLE!!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAH

XXX SILKE I LOVE RAFAEL VD VAART

-- Anonymous, May 24, 2002

Last night (Friday) Ronald Koeman said on Dutch TV (Studio Sport) that Rafaël van der Vaart is almost fit for the Cup Final, and that he will go undergo a final physical test today (Saturday).

Van der Vaart is 'physically fit', but of course completely lacks game rhythm. He trained with group and ball for the first time this week.

Therefore, he will definitely not be in the starting line-up on Sunday. However, if the test works out well, he may be on the bench. This would, said Koeman, be a reward for being such a crucial factor in the team in the first season's half, and for working hard to recover.

Well... Always nice to have him available...

-- Anonymous, May 11, 2002

Rafael is great! Check the site www.rafaelvdvaart.nl for more info about him!

Greetings, Eveline

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Rafael Is Gewoon Super Lekkaah....En Hij Ken Ook Zo Goed Voetballen..Gelukkig Bij De Beste Club Van Nederland..;)..Duss Rafael Please Stay...

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2002

rafael is the king of the world he is a verry good footbal player greets ivo

-- Anonymous, April 14, 2002

Who's this Michael Jordan then?

;o)

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

van der Vaart #23...Michael Jordan #23... coincidence?!

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

rafael is a very good footballplayer maybe even the best of ajax

i like ajax i like rafael

so rafael is the man

anyway

rafael: veel succes en blijf nog een paar jaar bij ajax spelen!

greetz

isq

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

An update on Rafaël's recovery, from Ajax Netwerk:

Rafaël van der Vaart is recovering well from his injury. The Ajax midfielder and topscorer (19) underwent surgery on February 13. He started individual training last week and did his first ball exercises this week. He is expected to join group training next week. However, the crucial top clach at PSV (24 March) is probably coming too soon for Van der Vaart. He is expected to be able to play a full game with Young Ajax in the week after that game.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

I hope thet Rafael van de Vaart come bach a.s.a.p because Ajax isn't Ajax without Rafael.He's one of the best Ajax players ever just like Johan Cruijf.His replayser Pienaar is good but not as good as Rafael.Zlatan can't play any good game they say but in training he's a very very good player.Lobont has to come back because he is a very good goallie.Mabey even better than Grim. I have spoken!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2002

Van Der Vaart injured what a loss for ajax, i consider him and MIDO, Zlatan as the best players for Ajax and i hope they stay at Ajax for 3 mor years at least. Mido is Class and i think if Koeman let him play as a forward he will score plenty of goals bec. this is his original position and i think he will fill the emptinss after van der vaart after his marvelous performance in th AFrican Cup.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2002

I keep telling myself not to panic - but it doesnt appear to be working to well !!!! Agree with Menno's line-up for the midfield for this sunday with the exception of replacing Galasek with Walker (Yes Walker) as I believe from watching him in three games this season that he has the right level of skill and commitment to fit into this role.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2002

DAMN!

Now on Ajax.nl: he's out for at least one month...

Which means: forget AZ, forget NAC, forget Fortuna, forget f-word and forget the The Cup game against p$v.

Simple as that.

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2002

Wow, I just realized that 11 Feb was van der Vaart's 19th birthday (born in 1983). Nice birthday present: a trip to the hospital. :-/

Get well fast, Raffi. We need you!

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2002

I agree whole-heartedly with Menno's assessment. Ajax has become more multi-dimensional offensively since the season resumed. While unquestionably an integral part of the offense, Rafael van der Vaart is not the only piece. Ajax have scoort 11 goals since 27 January. Raffie has one of the 11.A long term loss would be tough to cover for. But, he already missed the Willem II match, as has been noted, and Ajax played well.So, short term,I think Ajax would be ok.Also, in Galasek, Ikedia, Mido, and van der Gun(all of whom are recently fit again), Ajax have offensive options available on the outside of the formation.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2002

This sucks.

I really hope it's not too bad. I really don't know what the truth is. You see: it all started with just one little announcement on RTV Noord-Holland (regional radio station for the province of North- Holland). They said he'll be out for at least three weeks, and then all kinds of other media reported so as well, crediting RTV Noord- Holland as the source. In this way, one exaggerated rumour can spread all over the place.

For now, I assume that Ajax would not retain the truth. Why would they? I'd have to believe Ajax.nl's version of the story: it's just exploratory surgery. Not serious knee surgery yet. They're just gonna take a look. If it's nothing, he'll be ready to rock fairly soon. Sometimes, professional athletes who underwent exploratory surgery are back in training in one week's time.

But then again: what if it's true?

Rafaël has been the most important player so far, and he's our topscorer, with 14 goals. In the first season half, Ajax was nothing without him.

However, the past few weeks have been reassuring - in a way. In Den Bosch, for the first time this season, he had a bad day. Wasn't playing well, didn't score, but Ajax won. He was suspended for the Willem II game, but Ajax played a really good game, the Galásek- Knopper-O'Brien midfield worked well (as a whole) - and Nikos Machlas started scoring, which he continued to do against FC Groningen and RKC.

I remember thinking, after the Willem II game: hey, this team can actually play without Van der Vaart! Which felt good.

We have plenty of options in midfield. It's good to think about it, cuz even if the injury turns out to be nothing serious, we'll definitely miss him at AZ on Sunday.

Based on the RKC game, this would be my preferred solution: Galásek, Wamberto and O'Brien in midfield, with Mido playing as a left winger. Wamberto as played his best games as a 'number 10', whereas Mido deserves a chance in the team. He seemed *very* determined last Sunday.

Option number two would be a Galásek - VAN DER GUN - O'Brien midfield. I have little faith in Richard Knopper, I must say. He sucked against Willem II. Just doesn't seem to have it. Van der Gun has more pace and surely seemed ready for it when he played with Young Ajax, against Telstar.

Another option is to play with slightly more defensive player in central midfield, instead of an offensive one. Abubakari Yakubu and Jan van Halst would be the options. I would prefer Yakubu, since he's been great throughout the first season half. Galásek - Yakubu - O'Brien would be a good midfield, with J.O.B. playing in a more offensive role than when Van der Vaart is there. John can do that. He played as a 'number ten' type midfielder in the home game against Willem II. He played one of his best games, and scored, too.

As you see: plenty of options.

I would obviously prefer an offensive central midfielder against AZ, so if I were Koeman I would go for the Wamberto option, with Mido in the team. Next week's NAC game (away) is gonna be a toughy, so a defensive central midfielder could be an option for that one.

Missing Van der Vaart is never nice, but no reason for nightmares. I mean: Andy van der Meyde, Nikos Machlas and (in the first weeks after the winter break) Tomás Galásek have probably had a larger impact than Van der Vaart lately.

Does this make sense?

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2002

With my handy, dandy Dutch-English dictionary at my side, I was trying to read the Ajax.nl article about Raffie's injury. My take is that he had an arthroscopic type of procedure done..or quick procedure. This would seem to rule him out for Sunday as well as Wednesday. Though, as a former college-level american footballer,I have seen guys take the knife on Monday and play on Saturday. Can anybody enlighten me? Thanks.

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2002

Hi ,Iam an Asian Ajax fan ,I admire Raffy very much , he is young , (older than me a year) but he is a very good striker and also in the middlefield. You Will Have A Good Future At Ajax , Keep Going On Rafael!!!

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002

FYI..."Exclusive" interview with dailysoccer.com:

http://www.dailysoccer.com/article.php?Article=63070

Cheers,

Rudy

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2002

Congrats to Rafael Van Der Vaart for his well deserved honor winning the Top Young Talent in Holland.

Simply put there can be no argument here. Just a top notch player who should get only better. I think he will get the nod for the upcoming Holland match versus England in a few weeks time.

I also hope that the big money clubs in Europe stay away for a few years. Always much rumor and speculation about this matter.

-- Anonymous, January 24, 2002

Theo Janssen and David Mendes Da Silva... Talented football players, no doubt about that, but who else could have won the award for most talented player of 2001 than Raffy?

If you repeat it every week, it gets boring, but this is a nice moment to think about it once again: let's not forget this kid's age (18) and how amazingly, incredibly and spectacularly well he's playing.

Almost no other talent plays so well, with so much leadership and so much consistency as Rafaël van der Vaart. And the best thing about it, is the fact that he seemd to realize that it would be really, really stupid to leave Ajax now.

-- Anonymous, January 20, 2002

Rafael van der Vaart is the greatest talent of Holland, maybe even Europe. Look at my site ( http://www.rafaelvdvaart.nl ) for more information about Rafael.

Bye, Jimmy

-- Anonymous, December 24, 2001

Italian team AC Milan wants to buy Rafael van der Vaart and Cristian Chivu. Is it REALLY true???????

--

It is.. But Rafael isn't stupid, and neither is Ajax. Rafael recently said in a few intervieuws that he wanted to stick to Ajax, because he thinks he can learn alot from the Ajax players, and from Koeman.

And if his mission in Italy fails, he will get a spot on the bench. Rafael is afraid of that. He wants to play.

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001

Italian team AC Milan wants to buy Rafael van der Vaart and Cristian Chivu. Is it REALLY true???????

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2001

van der Vaart is the new Litmanen by ajax, maybe even better....and he is just 18 years, so if he stayes a few years longer at ajax, he can become one of the best players of Ajax EVER!!!

greetz Sander

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2001

he lekkerding jij bent niet alleen een dik lekkere gozer maar je kan ook nog voetballen! jij bent voor mij de beste!!!!!!! dikke kus en veel liefs tessa

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2001

Extract from an article by Rick Broadbent on the Under 21 game between Holland & England in The Times, Saturday November 10 2001 : The Chief choreographer was Rafael van der Vaart, a midfield player from Ajax, who bestrode the first half and left such vaunted talents as Michael Carrick flailing in his wake. Robust in the tackle, fleet-footed in attack and blessed with a Rolls Royce engine, the 18-year-old is destined for great things.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2001

Raphael van der Vaart is the best!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 08, 2001

rafael vd vaart is tha best!!!!he is ofcourse from HOLLAND!!!!!! so don't mess with him...................!!!!

bye bye love ashley

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Yup, Knopper is an excellent option as well. He's a "number 10": an offensive central midfielder, playing behind the central forward. This position is often referred to in Holland as the "shadow striker". It would be an option to play with a Yakubu-Knopper-O'Brien midfield.

But I still think Co will go for Galásek. Keep in mind: Van der Vaart is suspended for the Copenhagen game only - not for the league. So there's more than a week to get him ready for the job.

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2001

Difficult one to judge as Galasek for Young Ajax on Saturday didnot look anywhere near sharp enough to play in such a fixture. But there is still a few days left and in this time he could pick up the sharpness. In addition I am not too sure what other routes are available to Co. Could knopper play in this slot ?

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2001

Okay Bill, it's a good thing that we already gave this some thought, cos now it's for real. Rafaël will miss the second leg against FC Copenhagen because he received his third 'European' yellow card.

As Ajax returned in Amsterdam, Co Adriaanse said on AT5 Television: "I could for example play with John O'Brien on left midfield. He's originally a left-footer anyway. Tomás Galásek could play on right midfield, where John's been playing lately. I'll have to think about it, but this is probably the way I'd do it right now."

And I guess he's right...

-- Anonymous, October 21, 2001

Menno Apparently I can stop worrying about the back-up for Van Der Vaart as we appear to have a ready made replacement in Fred Grim !!!!!

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001

FYI: Young Oranje finally did reach the play-offs. They ended second in the group (behind Portugal), but were one of the seven 'best' numbers two.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2001

Due to injuries of Bobby Petta and Jerrel Hasselbaink Van der Vaart is still selected for the match against Andorra. To me it is unclear if he is still able to play with the Young Oranje team. As far as I know only age is important in this and not if he ever has played for the A-selection.

So we finally have a Dutch international in our team again!!!

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

I would most definitely be in favour of giving Stefano Seedorf a chance in a league game against a not too strong opponent (the NEC, AZ or Sparta caliber). Obviously, we don't need him as long as Rafaël is in good health. Also, he may be a bit too much of a striker (a Bergkamp type guy).

Mitchell Piqué is an option as well. I saw him play a terrific game as a left midfielder with Young Ajax. Of course, Seedorf and Piqué hardly have any experience in the first team, but Van der Vaart himself is the best example of how fast really gifted guys can develop.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Concerned that Maxwell in the games I have watched never seems to go past anybody when he has the ball and as such does he have the skill to work in engine room. Menno, what about your protege Stefano Seedorf ?

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Er... Witschge? Kidding.

I guess the best solution would be to give Maxwell a shot on Raffy's spot, and play with De Cler in defense. John O'Brien would be an option as well, but I think we need an offensive player with a good individual action over there. Maxwell may be capable of doing the job. I like him.

But indeed: a Van der Vaart injury would *not* be pleasant. (Ask PSV who just lost Mark van Bommel for three months).

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Fantastic player - playing fantastically well at the moment and so important to the team. And there lies my concern - if he gets injured, especially long term , who would/could be the replacement and how well would Ajax cope ?

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

About Rafaël en the question why he wasn't selected by Louis van Gaal for Holland vs Andorra. This appeared on Ajax.nl this morning:

"VAN DER VAART DELIBERATELY NOT SELECTED FOR ORANJE

Everyone expected them with the Dutch A-squad, but instead they will have to take 'Young Oranje' by the hand and lead the team to the European Championships: Rafaël van der Vaart (Ajax) and Theo Janssen (Vitesse). The KNVB staff, including Louis van Gaal, has deliberately decided to keep the duo in Young Oranje for now.

Van Gaal thinks it's important for their development to finish the qualification campaign with Young Oranje, and that they show they're the leaders of the team. "That's a challenge for them. They have to show that they're able to lead the team."

Young Oranje will (almost certainly) battle for a European Championships slot in two play-off games. The first game will be on 10/11 November; the second one on 13/14 November. Holland's home game will be played in Utrecht.

The draw for the play-offs takes place in Prague (Czech Republic), on 11 October. The nine group winners and the seven best runner-up join the play-offs. Eight teams will qualify for the EC. Young Oranje are currently at the top in their group, but Portugal is yet to play against Estonia. If the Portugese win that game, Holland will finish second. It's not yet 100% certain whether that will be enough to reach the play-offs." (Source: Ajax.nl)

Well - that pretty much explains it: it was a deliberate choice. It also indicates that Rafaël is very close to his first cap. Which would make him one of the youngest Oranje players ever, probably.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2001

The reason that Van der Vaart wasn't selected by Van Gaal for the match against Andorra has everything to do with the European Cup qualification matches for teams Under-somethinng (U-20 or so?).

It is possible (very likely) that the Holland youth squad will get into the play-offs in order to qualify for the EC. If Van der Vaart plays for the A-selection he isn't allowed to play for the U- something team anymore. And since the Andorra match isn't that important it is better to leave him out of the selection.

The same goes for the gifted youngster Theo Janssen from Vitesse, BTW. I think it is a wise decission. Their time will come.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2001

I agree with Frank.... van der Vaart is the key to Ajax's success in the future if they could actually hold on to some talent without accpeting a big offer from Real Madrid or some other club. Its inevitable, it always is...

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2001

I think Rafael van der Vaart is one of the best players in the Dutch league. To give him more experience I think Louis van Gaal should introduce him in the Dutch squad. It will do him good. And Ajax, don't react on bids below $ 25 million. hehe..

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2001

I think Rafael is one of the best players of Ajax. Rafael is The Best Talent in the Team AJAX. GoodLuk!!!!!!!! bye

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

The Rafael van der Vaart it´s the best and I LOVE YOU RAFAEL. BYE-BYE

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2001

Who cares whether he is 17 or 18 , he still plays like 26. His left- sided play will certainly be a key factor in the outcome of the CL qualifiers. Celtic lost Ramon Vega at the right side of their back three. The replacement will come from either Olivier Tebilly or Bodo Balde. It might be a spot to exploit for van der Vaart or Mido. Also,van der Vaart and Celtic's Agathe in the midfield should feature,especially if Petta is absent on the left side for Celtic.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2001

he`s 18 you stupids

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001

I think Rafeal is one of the best players of ajax. Maybe he is 17, he play like a player of 26.

-- Anonymous, June 23, 2001

he is the 2nd great talent after marco van basten ,ajax has deleverd frome the youth school, i think he has a great futere in front of him ,i hope he play"s longer fore ajax than marco van basten did.i think he is the next genaration player that leads ajax to major sucses in the leage nationaal as internationaal.leds see if i am richt say in 3 years time.

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2001

Van der Vaart *is* 18 already. Just a detail.

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2001

Rafael is the most progresive player of the year... He's only 17 and turning 18 this year... Hope he will stay more longer than 2 years.. 2 years are not enough... Puis Ikedia also a good right winger.... he's a good winger combination with Van Der vaart.. Go the 3 Van Der's

-- Anonymous, May 29, 2001

you suck!!!!!!!! Lobont is the best!!!!From his biggest fan from Romania ,Sergiu

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2001

Hello this is the super fan Rutger i am a realy suoerfan. Ans I like Van der Vaart, Van der Meyde, Van der Gun etc..

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2001

Rafael is gonna be te key player of Ajax in the next few years. He is smart enough 2 know that a transfer 2 a big European club is 2 soon. He will stay at Ajax for 2 more years. After that he is gone, because Ajax simply can't refuse the money the get offered from Real Madrid or some other FUCKING club.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Yes Rafael is an exceptional talent, but the underlineing problem is that he is the subject of transfer talks buy european giants, Real Madrid and Man Utd, and will shamelessly leave to one of them within the next three years, and leave another Trademark gap in ajax, Im sorry its negative but its reality its the truth, but most of all its inauxastable as far as ajax are concerned, Its like a food chain, ajax produce the european giants feed off it. Kiran Behcan Might stay though.

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2001

Ik wou alleen ff zeggen dat Rafaël super lekker is en dat hij daarnaast ook nog erg goed kan voetballen. En die essi9999 moet niet zo zeiken want zij kan hem al helemaal niet krijgen Liefs carlijn

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2001

NOS Studio Sport reported that scouts from both Manchester United and Real Madrid watched the match Groningen-Ajax. AT5 News reported the other day that they came for youngster Van der Vaart!!! Can't be true! Go away lazy scouts and find your own Van der Vaart in the second division/secunda dision back home. Hands off from our gifted player!

I hate this type of scouting. This isn't even scouting! It's just leaning back, just waiting till Ajax have found a good player. And then watch him once or twice and offering him a better salary...

Anyway: If they came for Chivu, they are a little late now, since he signed a new contract today!

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2001

Raphael van der Vaart is the new coming Star of AFC AJAX. We've to keep him, also Christian Chivu and Cedric van der Gun and Bogdan Lobont. They're the best!!!

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001

rafael van der vaart is da best en een lekkerding beter kan ej toch niet krijgen heaaa?????

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2001

Rafael van der Vaart is the rising star and hope for the dutch. Man o man 17 years old and already a great player, where does it stop...?

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2001

Rafaël van der Vaart has not been voted 'Rookie of the Year' on the annual football gala-night of the Dutch United Contract Players. The prize for talent of the year was won by Feyenoord's Ebi Smolarek. A bit weird, since the young Polish Feyenoord striker has only played a few games in Feyenoord's first team.

What appeared to be the case? The public could vote through the internet and the Feyenoord fanclub had found some sort of auto-voting mechanism, with which they voted tens of thousands of times. Therefore, Feyenoord's talents Leonardo and Somolarek gathered some 93% of the votes together.

The Feyenoord fanclub admitted this the day after and I think it's a really, really funny action. Excellent. The prize (And SBS6, the TV network that showed the whole thing) now look very silly. I think it's ridiculous to do the voting through the internet in the first place: a talent of (say) RBC or Sparta doesn't have a chance that way, because Feyenoord and Ajax are by far the country's most popular teams - and their fans would always vote for an Ajax or Feyenoord talent.

What the Feyenoord fanclub did was sabotage that stupid system - and I wanna thank them for that.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

hello, i just wanna tell ; rafael is een vet lekkerding!!!

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001

Indeed. But also, let's not forget the younger talented players like Yakubu, Quansah, Daniel Cruz, Mokoena and more like those guys. Keep an eye out for them, they're bound to make an impact if they reach the first team.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

Ok.. I think Ajax is finally going back to their "roots" with young players like Van Der Vaart, Van Der Meyde etc.. After a few years of decline due to dramatic changes in a short time period (Bosman Ruling, Van Gaal to Barcelona, De Meer to the ArenA, Football Club to corporate 'business' and a generation 'gap'in players) Ajax is coming back to life!! Rafael and Youssef Hersi (17yrs) are the flagships of the new generation of Ajax Stars. Maybe not this season but certainly next season will be one to look out for!! Rafael is for Holland as Joe Cole is for England or Cassano for Italy. The rising Superstars.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

I think Co Adriaanse should keep Raphael in the team but het must watch out that he doesn't use Raphael too often! Because remember, he is a young player...so I ask myself if he's physically able to keep performing this way!! I hope so!!

-- Anonymous, December 25, 2000

Amazing how such a young kid (17 years old) can adjust so easily in the first team. Richard Witschge got injured and all of a sudden Van der Vaart was just there. Beautiful, gracious player, a real diamond for the future. I seriously wonder what Adriaanse will do once Witschge is recovered... They had a clash about Witschge's attitude earlier on, so I don't think Witschge will get his spot back that easily. It's really hard to choose, because I think Witschge played brilliantly in the first games on the season. But Van der Vaart deserves to be in the team as well. Good luck with this one, Co...

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2000