Van der Sar happy to be the daddy of the Dutch

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AFP) — Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has never been one to protest by refusing to play as several of his compatriots have done down the years, preferring instead to resorting to quiet diplomacy to smooth things over with the man in charge of the 'Oranje'.

Not for nothing is the 37-year-old Manchester United guardian known as 'Papy' to the rest of the squad as drawing on all his experience and 126 caps he offers his advice to the younger and less experienced members of the team.

"He is much more than that," purred Dutch coach Marco van Basten.

"Because he is a guide, an advisor to the younger players, a confidant to others and my right hand man on the pitch. It is a blessing to have such a player in the team," gushed van Basten....