Dirk Kuyt: Reds deserve a trophy, I'm supporting from afar
Dirk Kuyt is supporting Liverpool from afar in their pursuit of a trophy the Dutchman would consider deserved reward for their efforts this season.
The Reds are in contention for both the Premier League and Champions League as the run-in begins for real, with Tottenham Hotspur set to visit Anfield on Sunday.
Kuyt was a goalscorer when the club last lifted silverware, the League Cup in 2012, and his affection for Liverpool ensures he’s willing Jürgen Klopp’s team on at every opportunity.
And if they can get over the line in either competition in the coming months, it would be a fitting return for their exciting form according to the 38-year-old.
“They’ve got a great chance and so far they did a really good job,” Kuyt, who played in last weekend’s Liverpool FC Legends match, told the Liverpool Echo.
“They’re working and fighting together and it’s about more than 11 players. Players who are coming in, players who are not playing every game, once they come in, they can make a difference.
“The season will be decided by very small details. I don’t think I have to tell that to the players or to the coaching staff because they all have great experience and they know what it’s all about.
“All I can say is that I wish them all the best and great luck and I will support them from Holland.
“I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to the next couple of months for Liverpool. I think they deserve a lot this season and let’s see how far they can go.
“They deserve a trophy, the supporters deserve a trophy, the players deserve it, but it’s up to them. In football, you don’t always get what you deserve but I think they can go a long way.”
Two of Kuyt’s compatriots have been key figures in Liverpool’s surge for success, with Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum practically constants on Klopp’s teamsheet.
While the Reds’ vaunted front three take plenty of plaudits, it’s the breadth of quality and spirit throughout the squad that he cites as crucial to their consistency in 2018-19.
“Virgil and Gini are doing a great job. People talk about the three attackers up front and how good they are, but I think the strength of this team is that it is a team,” said Kuyt.
“It’s a family who are fighting every game together and you cannot name two or three players because then you misjudge the other players.
“Virgil has done amazing and we are supporting him from Holland. A lot of people are supporting him, especially me and my family, my children are big fans of him. We were here for the last [Champions League group] game against Napoli and they met Virgil.
“I think they’ve done a great job so far but everyone knows that it’s starting now: the last seven games to play in the Premier League and the challenge they have in the Champions League. It’s amazing.”