Dirk Kuyt Profile

Dirk Kuyt is one of the Netherlands national football team’s most important assets. A natural winger who can cover at striker, Dirk Kuyt has graduated from being one of the top scorers in the Eeredivisie into one of the world’s most formidable wingers.

Playing Position: Wing
Club: Liverpool
Jersey Number: 18

Dirk Kuyt Bio

Dirk Kuyt was born in the seaside village of Katwijk aan Zee in 1980. Kuyt joined his first club at the age of 5, playing for the local Quick Boys side, and reaching the first team at the age of 18. His precocious talent soon secured him a place at Eeredivisie side FC Utrecht.

Dirk Kuyt Career

Dirk Kuyt broke into the first team virtually instantly following his move to Utrecht. Kuyt began his career on the wing for Utrecht but only flourished once he’d been moved to the striker position for the club, scoring 20 goals in his final season at Utrecht.

Rival club Feyenoord was paying attention to Kuyt’s exploits, and signed him for the next season. Kuyt rewarded his new club for its faith in him by scoring 22 goals in his first season, before following up with another 61 goals in his next 2 seasons.

Kuyt had indicated his interest in playing for a major Premier League club, resulting in an offer from Liverpool in 2006. The Dutchman accepted and made his debut for the club in August that year. Kuyt would go on to score 14 goals in his first season at Anfield.

Kuyt’s second year at Anfield resulted in a dip in form, as he struggled to find the back of the net for his club. It took a positional shift back to winger for Kuyt to regain his form, and the following season saw the Dutchman score 15 goals for Liverpool.

During this period, Kuyt was also busy establishing himself as a presence in the Netherlands football team and played in both the 2006 World Cup and Euro2008. He was instrumental in helping the Netherlands qualify for the 2010 Football World Cup, scoring three goals for his team during qualifying.

Dirk Kuyt Playing Style

As a star of both Liverpool and the Netherlands football team, Dirk Kuyt produces results through sheer effort and physical exertion. Known for his incredible work-rate, Kuyt is also opportunistic in front of goal and quick to react to events on the field. The Dutchman is strong in the air and has the physical presence to keep defences moving backwards.