Upon joining Liverpool, Kuyt stated “I only wanted to leave Feyenoord for a really big club, and that is what Liverpool are. They are a fantastic, big club and it will be a real pleasure to play here.”[5]
After sitting out the first game Kuyt made his Liverpool debut as a substitute against West Ham on 26 August. His first start came against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and he has been first choice in most games since. In his third start for the club on 20 September 2006 Kuyt scored his first goal against Newcastle United in a Premiership game at Anfield,[6] and followed up with another against Tottenham Hotspur in the next game. He scored his third goal for Liverpool with his father watching the game at Anfield, contributing to Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa. Two weeks later he bagged a brace, as the only scorer in the Reds’ 2-0 victory against Premiership newcomers Reading.
Kuyt has won much praise for his early performances with The Mirror stating “The Dutch striker has the look of a cult hero in the making”[7] and The People reporting that he is “propelling himself towards iconic status.”[8] One of the reasons for his early popularity is his post match courtesy to the fans. After each match he walks to every corner of the ground, and applauds the Liverpool supporters.
On the 20th January 2007 Dirk Kuyt scored against Chelsea after only 4 minutes when he headed down a Peter Crouch ball past the Chelsea defence and applied a superb finish past Goalkeeper Petr Cech, Liverpool went on to defeat the champions 2-0. It was the first time Rafa Benitez had defeated Jose Mourinho in the Premiership. It was also the first goal scored by Liverpool against a top 4 club in the league in the 2006/2007 season. Dirk Kuyt’s hard work rate and desire to play for Liverpool has caught the eyes of most Liverpool fans. He is liked by most at Liverpool and he is rated as the Player of the Season (so far) by most Liverpool fans. Kuyt added to his account by scoring the 1st goal in the game against West Ham on 30th January 2007, taking him in to double figures for the season. The goal was a fantastic 25 yard strike into the top corner of the net, with West Ham goalkeeper Roy carroll left helpless.
Dirk Kuyt has become Rafa Benitez’s first choice striker in recent months. His high work rate and attitude has made him a regular in Rafa’s First team. Liverpool fans will be hoping he can continue doing his best for the club. Dirk Kuyt is yet to score in Europe for Liverpool. Kuyt came on as a substitute to score a dramatic 86th minute winner in the Reds 2-1 Premiership victory over Reading F.C.
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