Rafael van der Vaart, the maestro whose boots danced across the pitches of Ajax, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur, has finally unveiled his dream team. In a Mostbet exclusive, the Dutch virtuoso selects the most formidable eleven players he ever shared a dressing room with, offering a rare glimpse into the talent that shaped his illustrious career. This isn’t just a list of names; it’s a journey through modern football history, narrated by one of its most creative minds.
The Architect’s Blueprint: A Dutch 4-3-3
Van der Vaart’s selection is built on the foundation of the classic Dutch 4-3-3 formation, a system he knows intimately from his days orchestrating play for the Netherlands. His choices reflect a blend of raw power, technical genius, and the unshakeable mental fortitude required to compete at the very highest level.
A Guardian Between the Posts
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
For van der Vaart, the choice in goal was simple. Van der Sar possessed everything a modern goalkeeper needs. “He was good with his feet, he was tall, he was a leader in the dressing room,” van der Vaart recalls. His presence was so commanding that even in training, van der Vaart would look at the goal and wonder, “wow, where do I have to shoot it?” His composure and experience make him the undisputed first choice.
The Impenetrable Defensive Wall
Right-back: Sergio Ramos
Admitting it’s not the Spanish legend’s best position, van der Vaart justifies his selection based on their time together at Real Madrid. A young Ramos, then just 21 or 22, impressed with his “positive arrogance.” Van der Vaart remembers a player who was supremely confident in his own ability. “He made many mistakes, but was very strong,” he says, but his evolution into a leader who has won everything—World Cups, Champions Leagues—cements his deserved place in this elite squad.
Centre-back: Jaap Stam
The sheer force of nature that was Jaap Stam earns him a spot. Van der Vaart describes him as incredibly down-to-earth but an absolute machine on the pitch. “Everyone was scared of him,” he reveals, noting that even a force like Zlatan Ibrahimovic was wary. For a playmaker like van der Vaart, having Stam at the back was a privilege, a reassuring wall of strength and intelligence that allowed the attackers to flourish.
Centre-back: Cristian Chivu
A teammate from their youthful days at Ajax, Chivu is chosen for his character as much as his skill. Van der Vaart fondly remembers their great contact and how Chivu was “a really nice guy, always asking about your family.” Beyond his personality, he possessed a “fantastic left foot,” making his early retirement from the game a particular pity for the footballing world.
Left-back: Maxwell
In a position that could have gone to more flamboyant names, van der Vaart opts for the understated brilliance of Maxwell. He describes the Brazilian as “probably the nicest guy you’ve ever met.” But it was his effortless style of play that captivated van der Vaart: “how he played, when you looked at him football was easy. He was quick but also light-footed, it was amazing to watch.”
The Magical Midfield Engine Room
Centre-midfielder: Luka Modric
This selection is filled with affection and respect from their time together at Tottenham. Van der Vaart believes they were part of “one of the best teams in Europe” at Spurs, with Modric playing behind him. “It was so easy to play football because he was a player who knew how to play between the lines,” van der Vaart explains, highlighting Modric’s signature passes with the outside of his boot. He offered crucial advice when Modric moved to Madrid, and now proudly states, “he is the most important player at Madrid.”
Centre-midfielder: Guti
The ultimate wildcard. Guti may not have always been a starter, but his genius was undeniable. Van der Vaart, known for his own vision, calls Guti “the king of doing that.” He was the master of seeing and executing passes that no one else could, a truly unique and gifted talent whose flair earns him a spot in this creative midfield.
Attacking Midfielder: Rafael van der Vaart
With a smile, the man himself takes the coveted No. 10 role. It’s a fitting selection for a player who dictated play for every team he represented, and when looking at the incredible talent surrounding him in this XI, his inclusion is more than justified.
The Fearsome Front Three
Right-winger: Cristiano Ronaldo
Van der Vaart moves Ronaldo to the right wing to accommodate his strike force, but his praise for the Portuguese icon is immense. Addressing the critics, he says, “A lot of people hate him when they see him playing football. It’s an attitude, he needs that to be a great player.” Personally, they had a “great relationship,” and Ronaldo’s desire to play alongside him, coupled with his phenomenal, record-shattering output at Madrid, makes him an automatic pick.
Left-winger: Arjen Robben
In perhaps the most debated position, van der Vaart chooses his compatriot Arjen Robben over Gareth Bale, joking that he has “to keep the fans in Holland happy!” He describes Robben as “down to earth. In Holland, we say like a farmer.” But his on-pitch qualities are what truly stand out: “It’s unbelievable what he is still showing at his age.” His cutting inside and lethal left foot are legendary for a reason.
Striker: Patrick Kluivert
The final piece of the puzzle sees van der Vaart choose Patrick Kluivert over a host of legendary strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and even the “amazing” Peter Crouch. For van der Vaart, Kluivert was “absolutely the best striker in Holland.” He acknowledges that off-pitch professionalism could be questioned, but his natural talent was unmatched. “His skill, his natural talent… as a striker I know how difficult it is to keep the ball, to score the goals.” Kluivert’s vision, akin to a No. 10, directly created goals for van der Vaart in the national team.
Rafael van der Vaart’s Ultimate XI
This team is more than just a collection of stars; it’s a reflection of a career spent at the heart of European football’s elite. From the safe hands of Van der Sar to the clinical finishing of Kluivert, and orchestrated by the magic of Modric and van der Vaart himself, this is an XI built to dominate any era. Here at Mostbet, we’re proud to bring you this deep dive into the mind of a footballing artist.
Who would make your ultimate XI from players you’ve watched? Do you agree with van der Vaart’s picks, or would you have found a place for Gareth Bale? Share your thoughts and your own dream teams in the comments below and explore more exclusive player insights right here on Mostbet.
