Exclusive: Rafael van der Vaart praises England’s win over Croatia

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart came away impressed by England's performance against Croatia, but believes the Three Lions lack the match-winning quality needed to go all the way at this summer's World Cup.

The former Netherlands international gave his verdict on England's tournament opener, praising former teammate Harry Kane for his brace, while also commenting on Bukayo Saka’s status as a world class player.

The Dutch hero also shared his observations from the first round of group stage games, showering compliments on Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi for his commanding performance against Brazil. He also weighed in on the future of PSG winger Bradley Barcola, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.

Harry Kane, the familiar England hero

Rafael van der Vaart had no complaints about the quality of football on display from England against Croatia, even though he acknowledged it might have made for uncomfortable viewing for England manager Thomas Tuchel.

"I think it was a good game for England against Croatia. England were the better team and it was an entertaining match. The coaches might have struggled watching a match with so many goals but I prefer to watch this kind of match."

"I think it was a very fun match and of course my good friend Harry Kane scored two goals. That is truly amazing and what a player he is."

Is Saka world class?

The debate around Saka and his place amongst the world's best attackers has been one of the more persistent storylines on social media. van der Vaart is full of admiration for the Arsenal winger, but stopped short of placing him among the game's very best, and spoke about how loosely the term "world class" gets applied.

"Saka's a really good player and I follow him in the Champions League. I have this thing with him, Dembélé, Doué - everyone wants to compare them to Messi or Ronaldo, but did you see what Messi did? There's no way these players are close to that level. And they will also never be."

"Dembélé, sometimes I look at him, and I think, wow, everything is going wrong, and then all of a sudden he's doing fantastic things. He's not consistent. And that's the same thing with Saka. Madueke is also the same. They’re really good players but I don't think they'll make England world champions."

He pointed to Mbappé's performance against Croatia - a subdued first half followed by a decisive second - as the benchmark for what world class actually looks like.

"Saka world class? But what is world class? For me, for example I played for Real Madrid and I see how people criticised Mbappé. And I was so happy that he again showed how good he is. First half he was rubbish and in the second he really stepped up. That for me is world class."

"When you play the Champions League final and win the Premier League with Arsenal, you are in the 'world class' conversation. But Mbappé is world class and Saka is a little bit under that level."

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Bouaddi is a typical Arsenal player

Morocco's display against Brazil was one of the standout performances of the tournament's opening round. The former Dutch midfielder was taken by what he saw, particularly from teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Lille star has been linked with a move to Arsenal who are looking to push on from their Premier League success this season.

"I was also surprised but what I liked about Morocco when I saw the game was that I had the feeling they were playing somewhere in the streets of Morocco, together. You know, a game on a Sunday night where you go, 'guys, let's have fun on the street'.”

“And that's the way they played, especially the first 20-25 minutes. They were so strong, on the ball, without the ball. They had fun and the midfield was so good."

"And Ayyoub Bouaddi was playing a No.6/No.8 role, not panicking when he got the ball in his own box. He was dribbling, he was passing at the right time."

"He's a typical Arsenal player, I have to say."

Where next for Barcola?

Meanwhile, another player at the World Cup, Bradley Barcola, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. Both Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be interested in the Frenchman who scored the second in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal. The ex-Real Madrid star believes the time may be right for him to seek a move.

"It's always a difficult decision because you want to play but you also need to be patient. I really like Barcola. I think PSG have great players up front."

"But when you have Kvaratskhelia, he's so good that he'll start most of the time. So then you have to hope he's injured or being rotated for the sake of your own playing time. So maybe it's also better to move for Barcola."

As for the destination, van der Vaart sees only a handful of clubs as realistic options.

"Now where would that be? I don't know. I think that Real Madrid needs a bit of quality on that side, when Vinícius Júnior is not at his best, or if he leaves, even though I think he's going to stay."

"There are not so many clubs. PSG is also a top club so I don't think you're going to leave them to join Tottenham or something."

Read more as Rafael van der Vaart defends France star Kylian Mbappe