'Tottenham are in the top five in the world' - Van der Vaart expects success for Kane, Alli & Co

The qualities of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have helped Tottenham to become one of the world’s top five clubs, says Rafael van der Vaart, with major honours now merely a matter of time.

Spurs have progressed rapidly under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, with an exciting young squad now considered to be Premier League title contenders.

That final step to silverware has eluded them so far, but a top-four standing has been cemented as north London rivals Arsenal have been overtaken.

Van der Vaart is delighted to see his former club flourishing, with those at White Hart Lane having built on the foundations laid by those who enjoyed an initial push into the Champions League during his era.

“I'm not surprised that they are doing so well,” the Dutchman, who spent two years in north London between 2010 and 2012, told Ukrainian news outlet Football.ua.

“I already knew that they have great players, but recently they have made great progress and are now in the top five in the world. 

“I always say that they became the best in the world because they trained with me!

“In my day we had a lot more players with a great name, but the current line-up acts more like a team. And, of course, they are talented. 

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“Kane scores a lot, Eriksen has incredible talent, Dele Alli also scores. Now they have more opportunities.

“I'm still very much a fan of Tottenham, so I want them to win something. I hope they will do soon.”

It has been suggested that a lack of success at Spurs could see a number of their most prized assets start to consider moves elsewhere.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been heavily linked with the likes of Kane and Eriksen in the recent past, but Van der Vaart expects them to stay put and fulfil Tottenham’s undoubted potential.

He said: “I hope that Tottenham will retain its leaders and finally become a champion. I think this is more important than selling players. 

“Of course, everyone talks about Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli, but I think now they are really strong as a team.”