Former Liverpool favourite Dirk Kuyt proved to be the hero for Feyenoord on Sunday, hitting a hat-trick as the Dutch side won the title for the first time in 18 years.
Feyenoord knew that one more win on the final day would clinch league glory for the first time since 1999, but their closest rivals Ajax were just a point behind, having narrowed the gap last weekend.
Kuyt, so often a big-game player for the Reds, came to the fore in typical fashion, however.
The match had not even been going a minute when he found the net for the first time, easing the nerves and adding another chapter to his great Feyenoord career.
The 36-year-old had scored his second before half-time, as things started to look far more comfortable for him and his teammates.
With seven minutes remaining, Kuyt completed his hat-trick to seal the title, ensuring wild celebrations followed both on the pitch and in the stands. A late Heracles consolation was meaningless.
KING KUYT! ? @Kuyt #FeyenoordKampioen #Feyenoord pic.twitter.com/Drw1D60w9k
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) May 14, 2017
Another former Red who won’t earn as many headlines is Brad Jones, who is also part of Feyenoord’s title-winning side.
Not many would have tipped the much-maligned goalkeeper to go on to achieve such success, having struggled so much on Merseyside, but it is a proud day for the Australian.
Kuyt has enjoyed a wonderful career for both club and country – he scored 71 goals in 285 appearances for Liverpool – and as it comes close to its conclusion, this was a perfect way to end the campaign.
Few players have shone in the big matches more than Kuyt – we could have done with him a few times this season.
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