A few years ago (mainly after the 2007-2008 season) I would have snapped Inter Milan’s hands off if they had offered anything over £8 million for Dirk Kuyt back then. Fast forward to this summer however, and I’m dreading the constant reports linking our Dutchman with the European Champions. The stories are conflicting however, with the British press reporting that Roy Hodgson won’t allow Kuyt to join Inter, while the Italian press are reporting that they are actually getting closer to signing him.
I have to admit that in the past I have been one of Dirk Kuyt’s many critics. I never actually wanted him to be sold but I used to feel that he would be best utilised as a third choice striker who could come on in games and give us new options along with more energy. Another reason why I used to want Kuyt to be dropped to the bench was because up until the 08-09 season I felt that the Dutchman had become a bit complacent about his place in the team due to the fact that Rafa Benitez clearly favoured him.
It was in the summer of 2008 however when I began to see how effective Kuyt was playing in a good team. He was brilliant at Euro 2008 with Holland and never looked out of place playing in a team full of very technical footballers. Maybe the reason why I took Dirk for granted was because I can’t relax when watching Liverpool games, meaning any mistakes made by players are more likely to wind me up. But being able to sit back and watch Dirk play as part of a team that I wished well but wasn’t attached to meant I was able to view his contributions from a new perspective. They were unlucky not to go further in that competition but the tournament clearly seemed to have a positive effect on Dirk Kuyt’s form going into the next season as he went on to have his best year to date with us, finishing with an impressive 15 goals and being a key player in our charge for the title.
Last season wasn’t his best but he really did establish himself as a player to be relied upon during the big occasions (his winner against Everton being an example). The World Cup confirmed that Dirk Kuyt really has taken to his role as a wide-forward/winger with the Dutchman finishing as the tournament’s joint top assister. Watching him representing Holland in the World Cup final, the biggest match a footballer could ever play in, made me proud and what made it more satisfying was that people were no longer wondering how Dirk Kuyt managed to get into Holland’s first XI, he had truly proved himself as being worthy.
His performance against Arsenal a week ago showed that he may again be ready to carry his international form into the new season with us. He was very good while in possession and along with that showed some nice touches to take on Arsenal’s defenders every now and then. I’m a believer in Dirk Kuyt’s abilities and I also believe that under Roy Hodgson we could yet see the very best that the Dutchman has to offer. I can only hope that we manage to hold on to Dirk this year, as we’re hardly in a position to allow any more key players to leave with such little time left to find replacements.
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get rid.crap player no loyalty