Nobody in the Netherlands expected Dirk Kuyt to have a prominent role at the World Cup, but the 33-year-old Fenerbahce player proved he can still be of massive value for the Dutch team in Brazil.

Due to the concussion Bruno Martins Indi suffered against Australia (3-2) Daley Blind moved from the left-back position to the center of defense against Chile and Kuyt got a chance as left-back. He proved himself and as a result he also started as a left-back in the last sixteen against Mexico (2-1).

After the transition to the 4-3-3 system in the second half of the match versus the Mexicans he became right back, he also functioned as second striker and in the final minutes he was the right-back again. His versatility has always been one of his main qualities, just like his running abilities. Even at his age Kuyt, nicknamed Mr. Duracell by his former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, seems tireless.

"I'm at an age that in any position I know what to do and how to play according to my abilities," Kuyt said. "I have confidence enough in myself to accomplish that. I always adapted to positions and systems easily."

The new 5-3-2 system head coach Louis van Gaal introduced during the preparation for the World Cup meant new chances for forward Kuyt. "I thought OK, in front we have the two best players of the world, Arjen Robben en Robin van Persie. Maybe I can play as left-back. Van Gaal liked the idea and we started tested it during training."

Some Dutch media now even consider him as replacement for Nigel de Jong, who suffered a groin injury, against Costa Rica on Saturday. Not only Kuyt can play on several positions, more players of the Dutch team are multifunctional, like Daley Blind, who played as left-back, central defender and central midfielder at the World Cup.

"Our versatility is perhaps our greatest quality," said Kuyt. "In the past we might have stuck too much to one system. As a result, we were predictable for an opponent. Now we are much harder to play against."

The match against Mexico was not only special for him, because of his starting place and the 2-1 win. He also became the seventh Dutch international with 100 caps. After the match captain Robin van Persie praised Kuyt in a speech in the dressing room to congratulate him on reaching this milestone and called him an example for the young and the older players.

Most of all, the 29th of June was the day his father Dirk Kuyt senior, who suffered from cancer, died exactly seven years ago. "Many people have doubted me, but my father never did," Kuyt said. "He has given me the character to never give up. This was a game of never giving up and going to the hole."

Kuyt is also not planning to quit in the remainder of the World Cup. He debuted in the Dutch team in 2004. For ten years he was part of a squad with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Nigel de Jong. In 2010 they finished as runners-up at the 2010 World Cup. "It's time to crown these 10 years," said Kuyt. "My goal is to become world champion and I think we can." Endit

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