Arjen Robben is disappointed Holland teammate Rafael van der Vaart chose Tottenham ahead of Bayern Munich.
Robben admitted he wanted Van der Vaart to join him at Bayern, and is sure Tottenham have made a shrewd move.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: "I don't know why he didn't join Bayern in the end. I really wanted him but Spurs have bought a gem.
"In terms of his vision, his range of passing, his ability to split a defence and his eye for goal he is as good as Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard and of course Frank Lampard.
"He is that bridge for Spurs that makes them go from a very good Premier League club to a team capable of taking on and beating any side in Europe on their day.
"When you consider the amount of money Real Madrid and Manchester City have spent on players, it's almost unbelievable to think what Spurs reportedly paid for Rafa.
"Madrid almost gave away one of the best players in the world - but that's their style.
"They got rid of me and Wesley Sneijder in the same summer and I went on to win my domestic league and get to the Champions League Final while Wesley went on to win the Treble and become the best player in the world.
"Madrid's mistake will very much be Spurs' gain."
