Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal would be pleased to have in his pack a useful ‘joker card’ as veteran Dirk Kuyt.
Making tactical changes during matches is one of Van Gaal’s specialities and this is why Kuyt — who can slot in practically anywhere on the field — is a godsend for him.
Almost 34 years old and winding down his career at Turkish club Fenerbahce — a far cry from his glory days at Liverpool — Kuyt won himself a place in the Dutch squad because he has three virtues which all coaches love: he is polyvalent, generous in his efforts, and has “a small ego,” as 1974 Dutch playmaker Willem Van Hanegem said.
Kuyt has already played two matches at the World Cup at left-back in a defence of five.
He did not get off the subs’ bench in the first two matches, against Spain and Australia, but was drafted in against Chile.
And in the round of 16 clash against Mexico, Kuyt was very impressive, moving seamlessly from left-back to right-back then finally into midfield.
“He did a good job and I know I can rely on him — in whatever position,” said a grateful Van Gaal after the late 2-1 win.
Two years ago, when Kuyt left Liverpool after six successful years, coach Rafa Benitez wrote praised the Dutchman on his blog.
“He can play in almost any position at all and always knows how to deal with situations ... He is a great example of sacrifice for the team,” Benitez said.
The question now is where will Kuyt play in the quarterfinal clash against Costa Rica, given the absence of the injured Nigel De Jong in midfield.
The only sure thing is that Van Gaal will be looking to his joker Kuyt for some kind of role, somewhere on the field.
