Kuyt

[RichC]

While I like Kuyt as a player and this is nothing personal, but is giving him a contract extension the right thing to do he'll be 31 in the summer, making him 33 when his current deal runs out. Should we not be looking at ways of managing the contracts of older players, shorter term contracts with automatic extensions if the player meets certain conditions (certain number of appearences etc).

depends what we're offering him in terms of contract extension I suppose, thing is at the moment it's good PR for us to have out there - respected 1st teamer looking to put pen to paper on a new deal, sound bites put out about stregthening in the summer and challenging for titles again.

Makes us sound an interesting proposition for anyone we do look to sign and also sends a message to players in the squad who might be unsure what the future holds at Anfield.

[Zapater]

He'll be 33, he's hardly going to drop down dead is he? The kind of footballer he is, I don't see age being that much of a problem, hopefully he will still play, but won't have to play each and every game if we can bring in some other players to give us different options. If we want to give him more time after that, then maybe take it one year at a time. For me it's definitely better than him leaving for a pittance in the summer, we wouldn't get a lot for him and it'd be difficult to find a replacement that can offer exactly what Dirk gives us. Sure we can find another work horse, but he's a bit special.

[Exiled_red]

He'll be 33, he's hardly going to drop down dead is he? The kind of footballer he is, I don't see age being that much of a problem, hopefully he will still play, but won't have to play each and every game if we can bring in some other players to give us different options. If we want to give him more time after that, then maybe take it one year at a time. For me it's definitely better than him leaving for a pittance in the summer, we wouldn't get a lot for him and it'd be difficult to find a replacement that can offer exactly what Dirk gives us. Sure we can find another work horse, but he's a bit special.

I'm not saying that, obviously we don't need to worry about him losing his pace But his game is based on fitness and work rate, how will his fitness levels be in a couple of years time, which would be the end of his (current) contract, presumably if we are offring him an extension now it will probably be for 4 or 5 years (total) what will his fitness levels be like by the time he is 34/35?

This wasn't intended as an attack on Kuyt but I thought the new owners were looking at ways to manage older players contracts so as not to have older players not playing regularly but still being on high wages, so offering Kuyt a new long term contract at this stage seems a little surprising to me that's all.

[RichC]

I'm not saying that, obviously we don't need to worry about him losing his pace But his game is based on fitness and work rate, how will his fitness levels be in a couple of years time, which would be the end of his (current) contract, presumably if we are offring him an extension now it will probably be for 4 or 5 years (total) what will his fitness levels be like by the time he is 34/35?

This wasn't intended as an attack on Kuyt but I thought the new owners were looking at ways to manage older players contracts so as not to have older players not playing regularly but still being on high wages, so offering Kuyt a new long term contract at this stage seems a little surprising to me that's all.

I think we'll see Dirk becoming more of a rotation player as the seasons go by, it's what we need as well - pressure on the players who've been shoe in's to start game in and game out.

[Mostar]

I think we'll see Dirk becoming more of a rotation player as the seasons go by, it's what we need as well - pressure on the players who've been shoe in's to start game in and game out.

He won't be a first choice next season but certainly a decent player to step in from time to time.

I personally expect to see his minutes being reduced quite a bit next year.

[RichC]

He won't be a first choice next season but certainly a decent player to step in from time to time.

I personally expect to see his minutes being reduced quite a bit next year.

so do I - he's a big game player for us but against the smaller sides I think we need more guile to break them down.

[RedReet]

I'm not saying that, obviously we don't need to worry about him losing his pace But his game is based on fitness and work rate, how will his fitness levels be in a couple of years time, which would be the end of his (current) contract, presumably if we are offring him an extension now it will probably be for 4 or 5 years (total) what will his fitness levels be like by the time he is 34/35?

This wasn't intended as an attack on Kuyt but I thought the new owners were looking at ways to manage older players contracts so as not to have older players not playing regularly but still being on high wages, so offering Kuyt a new long term contract at this stage seems a little surprising to me that's all.

I think Kuyt might surprise a few people in his twilight years and show he has a bit more ability than he is given credit for. If he was no longer able to get up and down the pitch like he was used to and was told to concentrate on holding his position and receiving the ball, I think he’d do a good number 10 job, just off the main striker. I think he’d prove that his first touch is nowhere near as bad as people make out and that miscontrolled balls are as much to do with style rather than his ability. A lot of times you’ll see Kuyt try to receive the ball on the turn to keep momentum going, rather than take the touch to control first.

[Exiled_red]

I think Kuyt might surprise a few people in his twilight years and show he has a bit more ability than he is given credit for. If he was no longer able to get up and down the pitch like he was used to and was told to concentrate on holding his position and receiving the ball, I think he’d do a good number 10 job, just off the main striker. I think he’d prove that his first touch is nowhere near as bad as people make out and that miscontrolled balls are as much to do with style rather than his ability. A lot of times you’ll see Kuyt try to receive the ball on the turn to keep momentum going, rather than take the touch to control first.

I didn't mean that as an attack on Kuyt I think he has a good football brain, I think if he'd had pace he could have been a great player. I do feel at the moment that one of the key things he offers is his work rate (which requires a high fitness level), My point was if he lost that fitness, it would IMO be difficult for him to be as effective in that role.

[RedReet]

I didn't mean that as an attack on Kuyt I think he has a good football brain, I think if he'd had pace he could have been a great player. I do feel at the moment that one of the key things he offers is his work rate (which requires a high fitness level), My point was if he lost that fitness, it would IMO be difficult for him to be as effective in that role.

Aye, his work rate no doubt is his greatest asset at the minute and he won't be able to keep playing they way he does now. When age does catch up on him and he does have to adapt his game, I just have a feeling we might see more of Dirk Kuyt the footballer, rather than Dirk Kuyt ‘the workhorse’ (I hate that expression by the way) and he might surprise a few (mot necessarily you, I know the point you are making). Ironically, I reckon his performances might become more pleasing on the eye for the fan, but not just as effective from a managers point of view.

[badpiggy]

If Kuyt had a bit more skill - bit of pace and a good first touch - he wouldn't have to spend so much time chasing after the ball which he has just given away. Still think he's a hero though. His willingness to do this chasing is almost superhuman plus he seem unbreakable. Will feel ****in brilliant for him when he gets a PL medal

[Rudo]

He won't be a first choice next season but certainly a decent player to step in from time to time.

I personally expect to see his minutes being reduced quite a bit next year.

Yeah i agree but i still think he'll play a big part.

The main reason i want us to get the Europa spot is that is gives our squad players a game - keeps them motivated and happy.
Also puts pressure on those that are ahead of them in the league games.

[passandmove]

Kuyt screamer tonight against Hungary

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/dirk-kuyt-hungary-8863597/

[Mark79]

Kuyt screamer tonight against Hungary

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodi...ngary-8863597/

Was thinking the other day, that for all of Dirk's tap-ins and penalties, it would be nice to see him hit a screamer like that one against West Ham a few seasons ago!

Got all excited when I saw your description

[passandmove]

They all count as one.

[Rudo]

Kuyt screamer tonight against Hungary

http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodi...ngary-8863597/

Thunderbolt