MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 07:12:05| >> :600:431260:431260:

Rafael van der Vaart: 'I'll play Xavi role for Real Betis'

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart reveals that his role with Real Betis this season will involve being given "a lot of freedom".

Rafael van der Vaart has revealed that he will play 'the Xavi role' for Real Betis in the new season.

The Dutchman joined the newly-promoted La Liga club earlier this summer on a free transfer after leaving Hamburger SV.

When questioned on his position for Betis, the 32-year-old claimed that he will be given "a lot of freedom" and compared the role to the one that Xavi previously enjoyed at Barcelona.

"I'm playing as a kind of Xavi, with a lot of freedom. Of course, I can occupy many positions and end up who knows where," he told Voetbal International.

"Training is very focused on the ball. It's less physical than Hamburg and that suits me. Betis are committed to possession and sometimes Hamburg ran and fought without touching the ball."

Van der Vaart has previously played in Spain for Real Madrid.

ID:235809: cacheID:235809:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1707:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Hamburg's Rafael van der Vaart gestures during the German first division Bundesliga football match 1 FC Koeln v Hamburger SV at Rhein Energie stadium in Cologne, Germany on August 23, 2014
Read Next:
Van der Vaart: 'Betis move a dream'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona13110240122833
2Real Madrid1283125111427
3Atletico MadridAtletico137511971226
4Villarreal127322319424
5Osasuna136341720-321
6Athletic Bilbao135531913620
7Real BetisBetis135531412220
8Real Sociedad135351110118
9Mallorca135351010018
10GironaGirona135351617-118
11Celta Vigo135262022-217
12Rayo Vallecano124441313016
13Sevilla134361218-615
14Leganes133551316-314
15AlavesAlaves134181422-813
16Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
17Getafe13175811-310
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid132381025-159
20Valencia11146817-97


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!