VAN DER VAART DEFENDS BARNEY AND HITS OUT AT CRITICS

RAFAEL VAN DER VAART claims Vincent van der Voort “couldn’t do five per cent” of what Raymond van Barneveld achieved.

The former Tottenham Hotspurs midfielder has launched a passionate defense of Van Barneveld and believes the darts legend deserves far more respect from his critics.

Van der Vaart, 43, has been tasked with helping Van Barneveld regarding the mental side of the game as the five-time world champion looks to revive his career.

He told Sportniews: “We’re doing our best. He’s a fantastic guy and a true darts legend, you know. We sometimes forget that.”

Van der Vaart then aimed his strongest criticism at former UK Open finalist Van der Voort, who he feels is too quick to judge Van Barneveld.

He added: “I often see Vincent van der Voort there, well, he couldn’t even do five percent of what Van Barneveld could. Yet he’s the loudest voice.

“I see that he still gets laughed at a bit in the darts world.

“But that’s because he is who he is. And that’s also headline-grabbing. It’s better than just saying yes and no.”

Barney has struggled for form this season and has failed to reach the quarter-final on the ProTour.

Former Netherlands international Van der Vaart has urged Van Barneveld to be more optimistic on the oche and recognise his place among the game’s greats.

He continued: “It can be a bit more positive now and then, but I’ve also noticed that’s quite hard for him.

“If it doesn’t go his way for a moment, his head drops straight away. But I also think he should just embrace that this is who he is. Maybe he doesn’t need to change at all. Then just, this is it.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning