van der Vaart Questions Morgan Rogers Price Tag

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has given his verdict on some of the biggest transfer stories of the summer. The Dutchman questioned the approximately £117m fee paid for Morgan Rogers while also backing Crysencio Summerville to thrive at Manchester United.

The Dutch legend, who earned 109 caps for his country, also weighed in on Bradley Barcola's suitability for Liverpool as they look to move forward from Mohamed Salah, Marcus Rashford's future and whether Ayyoub Bouaddi should be cautious about a move to Manchester City.

Is Morgan Rogers worth £117m?

Morgan Rogers has enjoyed a fantastic Premier League season for Aston Villa which culminated in being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad. van der Vaart says he understands why Arsenal were interested but has questioned Chelsea’s decision to part with £117m to secure his services.

"I think he would have fit Arsenal very well. I think he made a good impression despite not playing at his best. You could see he's skilful, he's tall, and he's quick."

"He did really well this season for Villa, but the price, I still think that it's crazy."

Barcola is not a like-for-like Salah replacement

With Liverpool having lost club legend Mohamed Salah they now find themselves linked with French star Bradley Barcola. van der Vaart was careful to manage expectations around what the PSG winger would actually bring to Anfield if a move were to occur. Liverpool are said to be in ‘club-to-club talks’ with PSG over signing Barcola who scored three times for France during the World Cup.

"Barcola is a totally different player than Salah. When Liverpool are going to buy a new winger, you also need a player who's similar to Salah. Right-wing, Barcola is okay, but on the left, it's easier for him because then you can go both sides. It's a difficult one."

Rashford still has his best years ahead

Another forward whose future seems uncertain is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United star endured an impressive stint at Barcelona. The big question being asked is where he should be playing his football next season. The former Spurs maestro was warm in his assessment, but felt the Barcelona experience said something important about Rashford.

"I think he's doing well. You could see when he came on, he made things happen. He did well at Barcelona. I really hope it works out as he's a good guy. He still has a few years left, his best years, so I hope he can find a good club."

"Maybe Man Utd is that place, but sometimes I think it's also good to go to a new environment. You also could see when he was at Barcelona that it was much better for him."

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Summerville ready for the biggest stage

Meanwhile, Crysencio Summerville has been one of the revelations of the tournament for the Netherlands. His performances have sparked significant interest from Manchester United. van der Vaart was full of praise, while also admitting the winger had flown under the radar in his home country before the World Cup.

"He's quick, his pace is unbelievable, with or without the ball. Also, he can play between the lines, so you can use him as a winger or in midfield. The only thing is he's a bit small, but he's quick, so he's saved himself from pressure situations. I like him."

"Summerville made some good steps, and he showed to the world what he is capable of. I believe a next move to a big club in the Premier League would suit him well, and I'm convinced he will contribute also at that level. At this stage, I would certainly not recommend him to go to Turkey."

The wider Dutch public had been slow to recognise what they had in Summerville, van der Vaart admitted,

"You know what, it is a little bit funny with Summerville. Before this World Cup, nobody really knew him here in the Netherlands. Of course, we knew that he must be a good player playing at West Ham in the Premier League, but it was not really like people were paying attention to him."

"I have to say I have been really impressed with him. He is fast, has quick feet, is creative, good decision-making, and is working very hard defensively. I definitely think he has the level for Manchester United."

"I think his pace is unbelievable. The goal that he scored against Sweden was another sign that he always knows what to do when getting the ball. He is always in control. I really like him."

Kone the surprise star for France

While Mbappé and Olise have grabbed the headlines for France, van der Vaart singled out Manu Kone as the player who has caught him most off guard at the tournament, and had a clear message for Manchester United about who they should be targeting.

"Manu Kone has surprised me for sure. I hadn't seen much of him except some highlights at this World Cup, I've been really impressed by his confidence. He's strong with the ball and without it. He's coming into the box, getting chances to score. Complete midfielder who's a joy to watch."

"I also think Man Utd need a player like him. They had Casemiro who was a little bit older. So yeah I think they could use a player like him. I would have bought him yesterday."

Bouaddi should choose wisely

Manchester City's reported pursuit of Ayyoub Bouaddi has been one of the more intriguing subplots of the window. While impressed by what he saw from the Moroccan teenager, van der Vaart raised his concerns which go beyond Bouaddi’s ability.

"Bouaddi can definitely fit in with Man City's style. He's really good with the ball. It impressed me because I didn't know him. When you come in as a young guy, and you do so well. Against Holland, I was very impressed.”

"For me, at that age, I really like players that play a lot of minutes. I don't know if he goes to City, he'll be a starter. So you have to choose wisely. But once again, when they pay so much money for you, a big salary, then you're not going to say no. So sometimes you have to hope that a big club is not coming, so that you can develop more as a player."

"Quality-wise, he absolutely can play there."

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