Van der Vaart keen to play with Kaka

The 26-year-old Dutchman has returned to the Madridistas' line-up in recent weeks following a groin injury to Kaka that will keep him out for the remainder of the year.

However, it has failed to quash reports linking the former Ajax and Hamburg playmaker with a move away from Spain in January, with Van der Vaart in need of regular first-team football in 2010 in order to ensure his place on the plane to the World Cup.

Arsene Wenger is believed to be weighing up a move for the midfielder in the New Year to help combat the loss of fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie, while Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were also tipped to secure his services over the summer.

But Van der Vaart has again insisted that he has no desire to leave, and believes that Real can be an even more dangerous force in 2010 by pairing both himself and Kaka together in midfield.

"At the moment, I am really enjoying myself and I have a lot of confidence," he said.

"Kaka and I can play together.

"Not only did we win [3-2 at Valencia on Saturday] but we played very well, like a great team.

"It was a difficult match because Valencia are a strong team at home, but now we have the confidence to win a lot of matches."

NEWS: Wenger eyes Van der Vaart

Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.