Today, Dirk Kuyt’s agent, Rob Jansen, has declared that the Reds are eager to sign the Holland international, according to BBC Sport. Much talk has taken place between supporters regarding his potential transfer from Feyenoord to Liverpool – with many believing he would not be a good signing.
Many continue to look at the negatives – in particular his lackluster performance in this years World Cup. But before one goes too far with this argument, they should stop to consider how he entered the starting XI in the first place. The answer to this? Because Holland coach Marco Van Basten obviously recognizes him as a top talent, capable of replacing Ruud Van Nistlerooy in the team.
Still on the topic of this year’s World Cup, Reds fans should recognize that he was played on the wing (against Argentina) and isolated up front with an undermaned squad against Portugal. Just because a striker doesn’t necessarily score goals every game doesn’t mean that they don’t contribute to the team – just ask Peter Crouch. Kuyt’s trademark work ethic shone through and was not lost on supporters such as myself.
Also, going on the logic that just because he underperformed in Germany doesn’t mean he’s a top player: just look at Gerrard, Ronaldino, Rooney et al. Terrible tournaments; but it’s just laughed off on them (ie. Haha, just a four week tournament…). The mark of a true player is how they have performed in the league – Kuyt has 20+ goals in his last four seasons, a number impressive no matter which league you are in.
Then we come to the other prime argument: the Mateja Kezman/ Fernando Morientes Argument. This is the one that states that just because a player does well in another league, they are condemned to failure in the English game. “He won’t adapt!” the fans shout. Every player is unique, you don’t need me to tell you this, and they alone decide how well they do through their work rate and adaption to their new life. Many Dutch are fluent in English and I expect Kuyt is no exception (which would help him to no end); and when it comes to work rate, Kuyt is widely regarded as one of the hardest working strikers around.
Dirk has all the qualities to succeed in the English game and would provide something lacking within our current strike force: power, not the type in running, but genuine strength. If he became available for the right price, I would welcome him with open arms.
James Roberts
james.m.roberts@ gmail.com (remove space)
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