Raymond van Barneveld Receives Boost from Rafael van der Vaart Amid Criticism

Raymond van Barneveld, the five-time world champion, is getting a much-needed boost from an unexpected source-former footballer Rafael van der Vaart. The Dutch sporting icon has been struggling with his level for years, and it seems he's finding it hard to keep up. However, he's not thinking about quitting yet, and Van der Vaart is there to offer his help.

Van der Vaart, who's still actively involved in helping Van Barneveld, believes the darter deserves more credit. He thinks Van Barneveld is a true darts legend and that his behavior, although unusual at times, makes the sport enjoyable. "I think we should respect that," Van der Vaart said. "I see that he still gets laughed at a bit in the darts world. But that's because he is who he is. And that's also headline-grabbing. It's better than just saying yes and no."

Van der Vaart's support comes as a welcome relief for Van Barneveld, who's been struggling to find his form. The former footballer has been offering advice on the mental side of the game, and it seems to be having a positive impact. "We're doing our best," Van der Vaart said. "He's a fantastic guy and a true darts legend, you know. We sometimes forget that."

Despite the criticism he's facing, Van Barneveld is determined to keep going. And with Van der Vaart's help, he might just find the spark he needs to get his career back on track. "I've also noticed that it's quite hard for him to be more positive," Van der Vaart said. "If it doesn't go his way for a moment, his head drops straight away. But I also think he should just embrace that this is who he is. Maybe he doesn't need to change at all. Then just, this is it."

Van Barneveld has not yet virtually qualified for the World Darts Championship, and it's clear that he's going to need all the help he can get. But with Van der Vaart by his side, he might just find the support he needs to overcome his struggles and get back to his best.

As Van der Vaart so aptly put it, "I often see Vincent van der Voort there, well, he couldn't even do five percent of what Van Barneveld could. Yet he's the loudest voice." It's a scathing takedown, but it's also a reminder of just how much Van Barneveld has to offer the darts world.

And so, as Van Barneveld continues to battle on, it's clear that he's got a lot of people rooting for him. Including, it seems, Rafael van der Vaart.