Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart has claimed that Tottenham will have a 'big problem' should Christian Eriksen leave the club this summer.
Despite the Premier League transfer closing on Thursday, the European window is open for another three weeks, which means that speculation around the Dane's future will continue with Real Madrid previously showing interest in the player.
Eriksen was a second half substitute against newly promoted Aston Villa, coming on with the team one goal down, he made the difference with goals from Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Kane meant that Spurs came away with all three points.
Eriksen has previously talked about his desire for a 'new challenge' away from Spurs, but Van der Vaart has claimed that the team should relish having a player of Eriksen's quality in the squad.
"We paying £60m for a midfielder and we miss Eriksen," the Dutchman told Sky Sports.
"I don't understand. We need to enjoy players like Eriksen. I hope he is going to stay because if he leaves, Spurs have a big problem."
Tottenham have gone into the season with the aim of bridging the gap to the Premier League top two. Manchester City and Liverpool were runaway leaders last season, but Van der Vaart believes that the two teams will again be too strong for Spurs to stop this season.
"They're (Tottenham) going to win (he joked). It's going to be so tough," he added.
"They are not strong enough to play through the whole season. Man City and Liverpool are too strong."
