Rafael van der Vaart admits he's struck an instant connection with Emmanuel Adebayor since his arrival at Tottenham from Manchester City.

Adebayor struck twice in victory over Aston Villa last night.

Van der Vaart said: "We had an instant connection, it is instinct. I always say that good players can play together.

"He is a striker who works a lot for the team. Most strikers when they don't score, are not playing well - but he's maybe even better when he doesn't score.

"He's amazing for us. His strength and his skills mean at least two or three defenders are worried about him. And I'm behind, so for me it is good.

"That's why I'm able to arrive in the box for the chances. All the defenders are trying to stop him, and the ball comes to me.

"I've been scoring the goals but he has been very important.

"I like my position, it's a role I grew up playing. I can play in different roles and in the national team I even play as defensive midfielder sometimes."