Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt has been voted the TIA Player of the Month for January 2007. He won 75% of the members’ votes, with Jamie Carragher and Peter Crouch in joint second.
Kuyt has been a revelation at Anfield since his August arrival, endearing himself to the Liverpool faithful with his hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. And of course his goalscoring and team play on the pitch have also played a huge part in his somewhat cult status already, with various chants and songs being heard in and around the pubs of Merseyside on a matchday.
January saw the 26 year old striker grab another four goals and put himself into double figures for the season so far. Kuyt added the finishing touches on a 3-0 win over Bolton on New Years’ Day with an angled shot at the Kop end, he then scored what turned out to be a consolation in the FA Cup third round defeat to Arsenal when he headed in from close range.
He then opened the scoring in the memorable win over Chelsea after not getting on the scoresheet when deployed in the 3 man attack at Watford in the game before. The clinical finish past Petr Cech early on was a true goalscorers goal. Then he opened the scoring against West Ham within ten seconds of the restart in the second half, a great strike from outside the box which went in off the under-side of the bar.
Here’s what some of the fans said;
Kuyt has the combination of skills and working rate. Scored a few good goals and well as working his ass off every single game make him get my vote. Kop#1
I voted for Kuyt because his performances have been consistently good and he has contributed with his fair share of goals as well. There were so many contenders this month because the level of the team has been so high but Kuyt just stood out. Ulster Red
I love the guy. Wonder goal against West ham. Scores regularly even though it is only his first season in the first team and he missed the all important pre season training. He always gives 100%, if he keeps up his defensive work he will start to rival Rushie. He looks like he can score from anywhere. He links up brilliantly with Crouch, Bellamy and Gerrard (when he storms forward). I think he has made a massive difference to our play, and I can wait til next year when I think he will move up to a frighteningly high level. Geebo
Kuyt without a doubt. His work rate made him an instant kop hero with his first appearnace at anfield against West Ham and he has carried his work rate right through to playing West Ham again at the end of January, working back defensively throughout the game! The goal against Chelski kept us on top throughout the whole game also. Defo my Jan Player of the Month! LFC4ev@
Well in Dirk.
