Rafael van der Vaart has urged Tottenham Hotspur to convince Emmanuel Adebayor to turn his loan move from Manchester City into a permanent one.
The Togo international has just seven matches of his temporary switch to White Hart Lane remaining.
Reports have suggested that the striker's wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block to a longer stay with Spurs.
However, Van der Vaart is adamant that the club should be doing everything in their power to keep the 28-year-old in north London.
"He is a great player for us, works his socks off and we love him here," Van der Vaart told the London Evening Standard. "He played for Real Madrid, Arsenal and City and I was surprised he came but I hope he stays.
"He is a top striker, one of the best I've played with. I played with Ruud van Nistelrooy and he was fantastic. Normally strikers wait for their chances and score but [Adebayor] is working and even when he doesn't score he is still important for the team and that's what makes him a big man for us.
"Last season I had a good understanding with Crouch but with him it's even better. He is tall, strong and also is not selfish."
Adebayor and Van der Vaart were among the goals as Spurs defeated Swansea City 3-1 yesterday afternoon.
Liam Apicella
