Tottenham midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart has lavished praise on team mate Peter Crouch.

The duo formed a superb understanding from the off with Crouch assisting five of Van der Vaart’s between September and November including a double against Aston Villa and one against FC Twente in the Champions League.

“Crouchy (Crouch) is a great player,” said Rafa. “He is a big, tall guy but he can also play fantastic football.

“I remember in my first training session his heading ability was fantastic.

“He has a great technique, sees everything and when I played behind him it was easy to make goals.

“I think my first five or six goals were because he gave me the ball so he has been a really important player for me.”

Van der Vaart finished the clubs top scorer last season with 15 goals in 36 games following his £8m move from Real Madrid last summer.