Sergio Busquets has responded to Rafael Van der Vaart calling Spain's performances at Euro 2020 'horrible' in brutal post-match analysis.
Luis Enrique's side have two points from their first two games after drawing against Sweden and Poland respectively.
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Van der Vaart is working for Dutch channel NOS and claimed he wants the Netherlands to play Spain - citing their play as 'only switching from one side to the other.'
It has seen senior midfielder Busquets hit back in an interview with Cuatro, claiming: "I find it sad, just for him wanting to be in the spotlight.
"I could easily get him down too with all the games we faced him with, games that people still remember today. But I won't, I have more respect."
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Van der Vaart's came after Saturday's game with Poland, which saw Gerard Moreno miss from the penalty spot.
The former Real Madrid man said: "Spain is horrible. I hope we will play against them.
"There is nothing in this team. All they do is switch from one side to the other. They don't even have a player who knows how to make a final pass."
Busquets isn't the only La Furia Roja star to hit out at the outspoken Van der Vaart.
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Atletico Madrid stalwart Koke eluded to the 2010 World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands, which Van der Vaart featured in.
Spain ran out 1-0 winners thanks to an Andres Iniesta goal in extra time and it's something Koke was quick to bring up.
"Van der Vaart wanted his moment of glory and he is having it," the 29-year-old told Cadena COPE.
"I saw him in the World Cup final, and here at our training base we have a picture of Iniesta's goal against the Netherlands with him next to him. You have to respect people's opinions but we'll remember these words.
"We're not going to hang them up in the dressing room but we'll keep them in our memories in case we end up playing (the Dutch)."
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Spain need to beat Slovakia on Wednesday to guarantee a place in the last 16, having endured their worst start to a Euros since 1996.
Netherlands, meanwhile, have qualified and are top scorers at the tournament with eight goals in three games.
Featured Image Credit: TheEuropeanLad/TwitterTopics:Β Football, Euro 2020, Sergio Busquets, Netherlands, Spain