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The Importance of Dirk Kuyt

Published by WattagoalbyRiise on March 8, 2008

Early on in his life, Dirk Kuyt had to make a decision. Should he take up the family trade, and become a fisherman like his father? Or pursue a career in football. The amicable Dutchman opted for the latter, and I would seriously doubt if he has ever looked back.

He signed for FC Utrecht at the age of 18, and once former manager at the time, Foeke Booy decided to play him as a second striker, Kuyt was quick to bag 20 goals in a season. Since then has he gone on to become a legend at Feyenoord, and captain the side, and also gone on to score in a Champions League final. Not bad for a bloke who could have become a fisherman.

His first season at Liverpool saw him score 14 goals, and his tireless attitude let to comments by The Mirror, “The Dutch striker has the look of a cult hero in the making”, and, “propelling himself towards iconic status,” by The People. Kuyt’s wife Gertrude continued to stay in employment even after marrying him, working in an old-people’s home, until their first daughter was born. Both husband and wife run charities that help under-privileged children in Holland, and third-world countries. I’d like to see a footballer who does more charity work than Dirk Kuyt and his missus. Indeed, he acknowledges the fans as well. Applauding every corner of the ground after almost every match.

So what has changed for the 27 year-old? Why is it that Liverpool fans, who claim to know what they are on about, want him out of the team, and sold? Is 110% effort, and genuine benediction not good enough anymore? Or is it that Kuyt just isn’t good enough for Liverpool? Well that’s just bull. What was it we used to call Emlyn Hughes? Crazyhorse wasn’t it, because of his tremendous work-rate? Kuyt last season scored 14 goals. This season, so far, he has 9. Who is to say that he won’t go on and score 5 more goals between now, and the end of the season? If he does, will it still be a bad season, for a player who does whatever is asked of him, to the utmost?

For me, his performance against Inter Milan in the first leg at Anfield, showed exactly why Rafa Benitez has had faith in him, and why we should all get off his back. Setting aside the guys work horse attitude for a moment, it was plain to see what he brings to the team. Kuyt played on the right hand side of midfield that day. Jermaine Pennant is who I consider to be our best right-midfielder, but the reason why Kuyt was chosen ahead of him was his dynamic style of play. He can come inside off the wing, play upfront with Torres, play behind Torres, or play alongside Mascherano in the centre of midfield, whilst Gerrard goes haring into Inter Milan’s defence. Pennant offers a lot, but not what Rafa wanted against Milan. He turned up on both wings, and indeed it was coming in off the left that brought him his reward.

Many people who are familiar with Rafa’s style of play, and understand it to an extent will see that Kuyt’s willingness to run at defences, enables him to drag defenders out of line. It is all part and parcel of Rafa developing tactics to suit the opposition’s weaknesses. It may be that if you discount Kuyt’s contributions, Torres and Gerrard would have less goals than they do now.

Yes the guy’s finishing has not been up to scratch this season, but the team’s play, is geared up for Torres to get all the chances, and the rest of the team to simply create them. To that effect, Kuyt’s efforst should not have gone unnoticed. I’ve always thought that Liverpool fans understood football than most. They are passionate, yet don’t let that passion get in the way of analysing a match, or a particular individual’s performance.

It does seem that Kuyt’s critics, be it because they are soaking what the Liverpool boo-boys are saying, or because of their own naivety, are being way too short-sighted.

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