Rafael van der Vaart defends Fabio Vieira following slow start at HSV

Rafael van der Vaart has come to the defense of Fabio Vieira after the midfielder’s underwhelming start to his permanent spell with Hamburger SV. Vieira, who returned to HSV after a loan stint, has not yet contributed a goal or assist in four Bundesliga matches. HSV is currently 13th in the league, just two points above the relegation playoff zone. Van der Vaart emphasized the challenges Vieira faces with a struggling team, contrasting it with his own more successful tenure. Hamburger SV hopes to improve their standing with an upcoming match against VfB Stuttgart.

• 1:05 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Spurs star defends former Arsenal midfielder