Van der Vaart: Elia lacks confidence

Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart believes Eljero Elia is a ‘world-class player’ who is simply down on confidence.

Elia has failed to score a goal in the Bundesliga this season after 17 appearances for Werder Bremen, but his Dutch compatriot says he will prove his worth to the side.

“Elia is a player who has been blessed with world-class abilities. If he’s in the mood, he cannot stop. I think Eljero lacks confidence,” the former Tottenham attacker told Bild.

The Hamburg man said he believes Elia will start performing again, but added that he hopes that it will not be when the two sides face each other in January.

“Elia is a rocket that can be ignited,” van der Vaart said. “I cross my fingers that it happens soon, (but) it need not necessarily be on January 26 in the game against us.”