Dirk Kuyt could easily not be a Liverpool player today if he had agreed to join Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan last summer. How different things could have been for the Dutch forward. If he had joined Rafa in Italy, there is a possibility that Kuyt could have been relegated to the bench following the sacking of Rafa and his career could be in the doldrums right now.
But Dirk is glad he stayed at Liverpool and he is look forward to the upcoming season and hopes that the club will be back in the Champions League soon and challenging for trophies.
“I wanted to stay at Liverpool but I also wanted to challenge for trophies,” he said.
“You want to see the club moving forward and that is exactly what happened after the first half of the season.
“Even to come from a very tough position to finish in sixth position was very promising. But to have the feeling that everyone at the club was working very, very hard to get it back where it belongs [was important].
“But even to finish sixth did not leave us satisfied,” he added. “We at least have to be challenging for Champions League football and most of the lads have played in the competition and want to get back there.
“I think that has to be our aim, it is difficult because not only do we have the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea but now we have Manchester City and Spurs.
“It will be a hard challenge but the least we have to aim for is Champions League football.”
It will be interesting to see what kind of a role Kuyt plays this coming season for Liverpool. Will Kenny continue to deploy him out on the right or will he be used as a centre forward? The beauty with Dirk is you know what you will get no matter where he plays; hard work and 100% dedication. he may not be the most technically gifted player but he puts in the effort.
What role do you see Kuyt playing for Liverpool this coming season?
His ability to play pretty much anywhere from midfield forward will ensure he sees plenty of playing time this year.
I think Dirk could do full back, no problem. Has he never filled in there before?
theres noone in the prem works harder than dirk kuyt
I think the reason we are not really chasing another striker is because we have Dirk Kuyt. Proved last season he can still score goals. Will be our 3rd striker this season.
@Chopper
He offered his services to Rafa a few seasons back but Rafa went with Mascherano.
“He has a fantastic mentality,” Benitez told reporters. “We talk about him being a striker who has played on the right because we needed it. He can also play as a second striker.
“When we played in the Cup and Philipp Degen had cramps, he said to me that if I wanted he could play at right-back.
“It’s not just his versatility and the fact he’s in very good condition, it’s his mentality. He’s always ready to help the team.
“He is a player that every manager would want in their team. You can play him or not but he’s always available, always ready and always helping the team.
“When you talk about a squad or a winning team, you need players with this mentality. If you have to change something for a game or have to put a player out of position, he is always available. That’s massive for a manager.”
Yeah, I thought I remembered something about it!
Thanks, Rock. Looking forward to your match with Cena at WM28.