Rafael van der Vaart has revealed that he will play 'the Xavi role' for Real Betis in the new season.
The Dutchman joined the newly-promoted La Liga club earlier this summer on a free transfer after leaving Hamburger SV.
When questioned on his position for Betis, the 32-year-old claimed that he will be given "a lot of freedom" and compared the role to the one that Xavi previously enjoyed at Barcelona.
"I'm playing as a kind of Xavi, with a lot of freedom. Of course, I can occupy many positions and end up who knows where," he told Voetbal International.
"Training is very focused on the ball. It's less physical than Hamburg and that suits me. Betis are committed to possession and sometimes Hamburg ran and fought without touching the ball."
Van der Vaart has previously played in Spain for Real Madrid.
