With recent reports linking Dirk Kuyt with a £10 million move to Turkish outfit, Galatasaray, many have contemplated whether now is the right time to let the Dutchman go. For me, if the amount of money quoted was being offered for Kuyt’s services, I would be happy to see him leave as long as he was replaced by a younger, more exciting talent.
Dirk Kuyt was undoubtedly one of the stars for Liverpool under the Rafa Benitez era, and has rightfully earned himself the status of kop hero. The Dutchman finished last season strong too, reaching his joint best goals total in a season with a tally of 15.
This season however has been a tough one for the former Feyenoord man. For probably the first time in his Liverpool career, Kuyt is struggling to hold down a place in the starting XI and at times seems like he doesn’t quite fit in with the quick, fluid brand of football Dalglish has introduced this season.
In seasons past, Kuyt has been much criticised by Reds fans for some of his performances, but always managed to win over the doubters with his efforts in the biggest games. Kuyt especially had a habit of scoring and making huge contributions in Liverpool’s big Champions League games and showed the world he was meant for the big stage when he played a vital part in Holland’s run to the World Cup Final in 2010.
At 31 years of age however, and with some lacklustre performances this season, I feel the time is right for Dirk Kuyt to move on to a new club to get his career back on track. He is no doubt still a big player, but with the direction Liverpool’s squad is heading in terms of style of play, I don’t see a long term future at Anfield for Kuyt unfortunately.
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Under Rafa Benitez for example, Kuyt regularly made up for average performances by scoring vital goals in big games. This season however, there has only been one goal in the League Cup against lower league opposition to make up for his lacklustre performances while even the struggling Andy Carroll has outscored the Holland international.
Selling the Dutchman would make sense for all parties. It would earn Liverpool some decent cash for a player who is past his prime, and it would be good for him to be able to refresh his career at a club where he would once again be one of the main men. Most importantly for Liverpool though, selling Kuyt would free up vital space up front for a top new talent who could help bolster the teams attacking options.
I had predicted during the summer that Kuyt would spend a fair amount of time on the bench this season, and the outcome hasn’t surprised many people. It is unfortunate for Kuyt who I appreciate has done so much for the club, but the acquisition which really made the Dutchman redundant for the Reds was Craig Bellamy.
The Welshman has been amazing so far this season considering he was a free transfer and unfortunately for Kuyt, he is also a forward who can play on the wings. This puts Bellamy in direct competition with Kuyt for a place in Liverpool’s team and it is fair to say that it’s the former Manchester City man who is winning the battle.
As for Kuyt, I admit there were times when I doubted his ability but time and time again he has proved his value to the team. Under the management of Kenny Dalglish however, Liverpool are adopting a brand of football which may not necessarily bring the best out of the Dutchman and I for one won’t be surprised if Kuyt makes way for an exciting new forward in the near future.
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I see your point but he stated that he wants to play a couple more seasons for Liverpool then return home to Feyenoord to finish his career.
Cant see him being sold for 10 million, but he has being struggling badly for form this season. If he does stay Id like to see him play as a striker, I don’t think he has the energy he had a couple of seasons ago, and for me adds nothing to the team as a winger. Could be a solution to scoring problems if Carroll cant hack it in Suarez absence. Like to see him stay at least until the summer.
I think he’s a better striker than Carrol could ever be.
Then again, who is’nt? …
Err Dirk Kuyt in his Liverpool career a goal every 307 minutes in all competitions Andy Carroll a goal every 308 minutes in all competitions. Considering he is 22 within his first year settling in at new club then that should mean Carroll is currently as bad as he is ever going to be!
it has been the right time for a long time, he lacks end product, touch and sklll. working hard is not enough anytmore.
Sell him now and put the funds towards a new forward that can score.
it is the right moment to sell kuyt but i’m afraid because i dont see anyone can fit in the right midfilder which both downing n henderson fail to do
preach it broda. the bloke lack all the attributes of a modern day striker or winger – pace? skill? trickery? finishing? dribbling? cant even supply a decent cross. dont get me wrong, his attitude & commitment is commendable but still, he should be a backup/rotation player at best (If we really want to get back up).
I fully agree with Eric.
Why not write an article on how rubbish Adam, Henderson, Downing and Carroll are instead. Leave Kuyt alone and stick him up front with Gerrard, Bellamy and Maxi supporting him in Suarez’s absence.
haha.r u joking mate saying that we need kuyt??? sometime i coudn t believe what i see!!!!!!!!! let me tell you something my friend and then tell if it s true or not ok. liverpool have been trophy less since he came { unfortunately } to our club.he add nothing to the team,can t beat any defender,can t cross the ball cause he hit the defendef,can t shoot with strong power true goelers. give me his wage for 1 week and i ll pull offf all the grass of anfield ok.
Spot on.Kuyt is a liverpool legend.Great player.Best game i beleive was against arsenal in the CL and best moment was his 3rd goal against manu.10 million pound will be a good business for galatasaray and Lfc.Lfc can then buy Hazard.
To all LFC fans,beleive in Carroll.
——————-reina———————-
johnson——-skertel——-agger——-enrique
—-gerrard——lucas——-adam—–
—-hazard——-carroll——-suarez—-
from now on, his value can only drop, so selling him now makes sense for all parties involved. besides that will free up more funds for much younger midfielder or winger.
Its a lie eric. Its because he kenneth dalglish has not giving him more playing time. Its just like keeping barcelona’s forward lionell messi on the bench and saying that he will still be at his best when he comes back, okay. So king kenny should give him more playing time.
Nice to see a balanced article from someone; acknowledging Dirk’s contribution as much as his areas of development.
It is far easier for me to see the potential merits of your argument because you recognise that you may have underestimated Kuyt in the past.
I however hope that Dirk is able to rediscover his form and provide backup cover to Bellamy (who could get injured) and that element of another option if we are playing opponents where his strengths far outweigh his faults.
Good write up.
l do agree , he must be sold this January and we should replace hi with eh likes of PODOLSKI Lukas, CAVANI Édinson, ROBINHO Souza, FARFAN Jefferson, PANDEV Goran, JOVETIC Stevan, MARTINEZ jackson, NILMAR Honorato or even RIBAS Diego, MARTIN Marvin, KALOU Solomon MUNIAIN Iker, DAMIAO Leandro lets just get someone younger and who has great talent can cover for Suarez when he is not available- zips
I think liverpool badly need a good proven striker.Carroll is not the man in any sense of the word,he isnt worth 10m at the moment,he simply has to go.We play worse with him, its like playing with 10 men at times.Dirk kuyt also has to go, hes past his best.Downing still hasnt proven his pricetag,henderson is showing signs but is he good enough for liverpool.Im really worried that if liverpool were to finish 7th or 8th would it be good enough.I adore dalglish but we dont want to be like the geordies and keegan.If it were another manager in charge fans may already start moaning but as its dalglish they remain silent.The owners have invested alot of money and apart from bellamy, suarez, enrique the rest of the buys have been overpriced and poor.Im really worried for us.