Rafael Van der Vaart has compared his role in the Real Betis team as akin to former Barcelona playmaker Xavi Hernandez.
The ex-Real Madrid midfielder arrived at Betis this summer after leaving Hamburg and has spoken to Voetbal International about his new surroundings and plans for the future.
“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 said, AS reports.
“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.
“I’m in good shape and soon we’ll be playing important games. Ultimately my goal is the European Championships but now what counts is Betis.”
