The reputation of Harry Redknapp has soared in the last couple of years, especially with his inspired signings that have elevated Tottenham to Champions League football.

But the capture of Rafael Van der Vaart must rank as one of the shrewdest since taking charge of the White Hart Lane hot seat.

In today’s market, £8m is small change and considering the number of managers that have brought in inferior players for twice as much, it makes the signing all the more impressive.

 

The Dutchman didn’t exactly set the Bernabeu alight during his largely unsuccessful spell in Madrid but he has already won the Spurs supporters over with some eye-catching displays.

However, he did live up to his flawed reputation against FC Twente with an indifferent game. He missed a penalty, scored a superb goal and got needlessly sent off, which almost cost his teammates dearly. Against better opposition it would have.

Showing the good side of Van der Vaart for as much as possible could hold the key for Tottenham’s season.

Although they are clearly making progress, balancing Champions League football with the Premier League could actually derail a domestic campaign if it isn’t handled properly.

The euphoria of their fine victory over Young Boys was quickly halted when they were shocked by Wigan just a few days later.

Spurs hit four in midweek (although the referee was kind to them by awarding three soft penalties) but it looked like it was going to be de ja-vu when they fell behind to Aston Villa. That was until Van der Vaart turned the game on its head.

The distraction of Europe is something Spurs are clearly relishing at the moment. And despite a number of injuries, they are showing their strength and depth, with a quality bench that matches up against the majority in the Premier League.

Of course they have yet to come up against the best Europe has to offer. Their trip to the San Siro to face reigning European champions Inter Milan and how they manage their follow-up game in the League will give Redknapp the clearest indication of how his squad will cope on both fronts.

Man City look like their biggest threat for fourth and their home clash with Werder Bremen could be the game that decides who joins Inter in the last 16 of the Champions League.

But with the guile and goal-scoring touch that Van Der Vaart is ruthlessly producing, it’s exciting times at White Hart Lane.