Hamburg coach Doll heaps praise on van der Vaart

Dubai: Hamburg coach Thomas Doll hailed the importance of their trip to Dubai and contribution of his star midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

The Dutchman was a class apart as Hamburg beat Iran 2-1 and afterwards Doll said: "Rafael is suspended for our first two games back in the Bundesliga.

"These games are very important for him to get his touch back.

"He can be one of the best players in Europe and is already well on the way to showing that."

And Doll, whose team have massively under-performed this season and are in the relegation zone in the Bundesliga, said he hoped their winter trip to Dubai would signal a turnaround in their fortunes.

"This camp is extremely important for us because we have had a lot of players out injured and this is a chance to get them back playing," he added.

"The time here in Dubai will help us prepare for the rest of the season and hopefully turn things around."

Van der Vaart added: "That was a competitive game and good for both teams to play.

"Both teams were trying to win it and it should stand us in good stead."