"I'm just going to grab a quick lunch, then I'll join you," says the Ajax player as he warmly shakes our hand after the morning training session. And so it happened. The 18-year-old sits down in the canteen at the De Toekomst training complex. "I'm doing well, and it’s getting better all the time, especially on the pitch. The first year was an adjustment for me, but I'm really enjoying myself, and I'm in the right place. It feels like home."
The Netherlands
Just over a year ago, Van der Vaart signed a contract in Amsterdam. Now he is part of the U19 team and is enjoying living in the Netherlands. "The funny thing is, until last year, I had never lived in the Netherlands. I get a bit of a 'foreign vibe' from the country. Not that I don't feel at home here because I do feel Dutch, but this is only my second year living here."
Van der Vaart has lived in various countries, including Germany, Spain, England, and Denmark. His football career began at an amateur club in Hamburg, SC Victoria. "I still have friends there. Three of us from that team, including myself, ended up joining professional clubs: one went to Hamburger SV and the other to Holstein Kiel. I grew up in Germany, so I speak the language fluently, and I learned a lot about football during that time. I was always practicing my basic technique with my dad."
His first experience with a professional club and life as a professional footballer came at age fourteen in Denmark with Esbjerg fB. "I had to adjust there, for sure: a new country and a new language. But I'm generally very calm when I arrive somewhere new. Luckily, I've moved a lot in my life, so adapting is something I can do," he laughs.
Comparison with Rafael
"At some point, I really wanted to go to the Netherlands. When Ajax came along, neither my dad nor I had any doubts about it," he continues. Van der Vaart knows he is closely linked with his father, Rafael. "Of course, I’ve learned a lot from him about how to live as a top-level athlete both on and off the pitch. But ultimately, I do my own thing. I’m Damián, not 'the son of'."
In the last U19 match (a 4-2 win against Vitesse), Van der Vaart provided two assists, one from a direct free kick. Does his technique resemble his father's? "It’s somewhat similar, but there are differences," he grins. "I have always had a good shot. I used to get tips from him, but in recent years, I've developed my own style."
As we continue discussing his team, coach Willem Weijs walks by. "I learn a lot from him," says Van der Vaart as Weijs greets us and walks on. "He likes to play with high pressure and brings a lot of energy into the team. That gives me a positive feeling, even without the ball. He gives me a lot of confidence, and I'm really happy about that."
Doing his own thing
Under Weijs, Van der Vaart is a starter and has been important so far. "Last year, I didn't play much, that's true. I found it quite tough, to be honest. I tried to stay true to myself and do my own thing. And keep doing it. My dad's advice is always to be yourself, enjoy it, and not worry about what others think. But in the end, you have to earn it yourself," he says firmly.
Just before the conversation ends, Ronald de Boer walks by. He puts his arm around Van der Vaart and gives him a firm handshake. Van der Vaart lights up. "I really enjoy working with Ronald. He supports me, gives me advice, and helps me with how to position myself better to get into dangerous positions with my shot."
Finally, Van der Vaart looks forward to the top match against PSV U19. Ajax currently leads the table with twelve points from four games. "There's already a certain belief within the group, and that's impressive so early in the season. We spend a lot of time together, which builds team spirit, and that’s a positive thing." The match will be broadcast live on Ajax's channels from 14:30 on Saturday, something Van der Vaart isn't concerned about. "I'm not really interested in the distractions and just want to play football. That's how I've always been."
