Dutch footballer Rafael van der Vaart has been nominated "Player of the Year" in the English Premier League. He is one of seven players nominated for the prestigious title.

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) announced on Friday that Van der Vaart had played an excellent first season at Tottenham Hotspur. "He has got Dutch class on the ball and the quality of his finishing has been a delight to see," said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor.

He scored ten times in 20 league games. The other candidates are Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur). Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Samir Nasri (Arsenal), Scott Parker (West Ham United) and Charlie Adam (Blackpool).

Van der Vaart's professional career began at Ajax in Amsterdam. He has also played for Hamburg SV, Real Madrid and the Dutch national team.

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