Rafael van der Vaart | Tottenham Hotspur

He may have only been with us for two seasons, but Rafael van der Vaart certainly made an impression.

What endeared ‘Rafa’ to fans was his desire, passion and ability on the ball, not to mention his eye for goal against north London rivals Arsenal! Rafa just got it. Ledley King said it felt like he was made to play for Spurs – Rafa’s only regret was leaving us too soon.

Beginning his career in his native Netherlands, the attacking midfielder learned his trade with Ajax, making his debut at 17, lifting two Eredivisie titles, voted inaugural ‘Golden Boy’ in 2003 and captaining the side before moving to Hamburg in 2005.

Three seasons on the Elbe followed before a brief stint at Real Madrid, where in 2008, the Dutch international was nominated for the Ballon d’Or. But in the summer of 2010, having suffered World Cup heartbreak following a defeat to Spain in the final in South Africa, he became a Spur.