When players give more than their shift, when they show they want to be part of LFC and when they wear the Liver Bird crest with pride, than there is nothing more deserved than a vote of confidence in rewarding that particular player with a contract extension. Dirk Kuyt has been a Liverpool player since the summer of 2006 (part of Rafa’s inheritance) and now a few months short of his 31st birthday, has agreed a one-year extension to his present contract which will see him wear the Liverpool shirt till at least 2013.
Many things have been said about this tireless Dutchman! Highly regarded for his generous work-rate in each game he plays, he has also been criticized at times for this infamous ‘first touch’ and his at times dubious passing, which on many occasions made fans all over do ballistic. However, it was without a shadow of a doubt one of the best ‘buys’ by LFC of the last decade, hands down. I might be wrong, but I have the impression he has been the most utilized player in a Liverpool shirt since his arrival, perhaps bar Reina.
Brought in as a striker but mostly used out wide on the right, the Dutchman has managed to notch up 61 goals in 235 appearances, and I feel confident enough to say (without any statistic in hand) that he made at least three times that amount in goal assists in the same number of appearances. He may not be the rapid wide winger Liverpool may be looking for to add width, but his versatility and more importantly his passion for the Club makes him such an important asset, that the Club have awarded him and extension and possibly an improved contract.
On a personal level and as a fan I wish to congratulate the Club on yet another move in the right direction and also thank Dirk for hanging on in their even when times were not so good. He is one of those that have realized that the times ahead are all pointed towards a positive direction. A truly hardworking and loyal professional!
Damien, Pepe Reina up next please!!!!!!!