‘If you compare Werner with Van Persie one more time, I will walk away now.’
Rafael van der Vaart threatened to ‘walk away’ when appearing on Dutch TV after Timo Werner was compared to Robin van Persie for his second goal in Chelsea’s Champions League game against Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Werner scored twice and set up the goal for Romelu Lukaku as Chelsea were held to a 3-3 draw against the Russian champions – conceding in the final minute to knock them off top spot and finish second in their group.
Rafael van der Vaart rejects comparison between Timo Werner and Robin van Persie.
Werner opened the proceedings after 83 seconds before adding his second, and Chelsea’s third, five minutes from time after fending off challenges from the opposition players before putting the Blues in front.
The pundits on Dutch TV Ziggo Sport were heavily impressed by the German’s strike, comparing both his movements and his finish to that of former Manchester United and Netherlands striker, Robin van Persie.
However, Van der Vaart wasn’t as impressed, so much so that the ex-Tottenham midfielder threatened to leave the set if he heard the same comparison made again.
“If you compare Werner with Van Persie one more time, I will walk away now.”
• 2 goals and 1 assist from Werner! The second goal looked like Van Persie style!
Van der Vaart: “If you compare Werner with Van Persie one more time, I will walk away now.” pic.twitter.com/LI3RGuhR4g
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) December 8, 2021
Van der Vaart critical of Werner.
The former Dutch international has been critical of the German in the past, claiming that all he does is ‘run.’
“All he does is put his head down and run, which leads to nothing,” he said.
“Werner is truly a blind horse. He has already shown that’s what he’s like when he played in Germany – and he’s doing it again now.”
The 25-year-old has played 13 times in all competitions for Chelsea this season, scoring five times and assisting twice and will look to try and help Thomas Tuchel’s side return to winning ways this weekend when they face Leeds United at home.
