I played with Suarez, van Persie and Robben but Stevie was Special One
SAYS DIRK KUYT
DIRK KUYT has urged Feyenoord’s stars to seek inspiration from Steven Gerrard’s legendary playing career ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League clash.
The Dutch ace played with the Rangers boss at Liverpool for over six years and describes his old pal as “the most special” footballer he’s ever encountered.
Kuyt revealed Gerrard took him under his wing after a move to Merseyside in 2006 and admits he constantly looked to his captain for guidance.
Now coach of Feyenoord’s Under-19 side, the 39-year-old believes the former midfielder should be essential viewing for any player.
He said: “The first player I met at the club was Steven. He was the captain of the team and was the first to put me at ease. Not a man of many words but he shook my hand and said, ‘I hope I will win a lot of prizes with you’.
“I saw how he led the side, what it meant to be a real professional. He gave everything every day, not just on Saturday afternoons or Champions League evenings, but from Monday to Friday he led the fight.
“He wanted to be the best every day and gave the team much more with lengthy speeches. If it went well, but especially if it went bad. Everyone was drawn to him and so was I.
“I have been able to play with many big players at Liverpool, with Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.
“In the Dutch national team with Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. But in many ways Gerrard has remained the most special player for me.
“He also had everything – he could give a pass over 40 yards, tackle, score from 50 yards back, it was sometimes not normal.” As Feyenoord prepare for a trip to Glasgow, Kuyt
recalled the midfielder’s reaction to being dropped towards the end of his career as a stand-out example of his attitude. Kuyt added: “Every player at our club should look at Steven’s career and at his winning mentality. “I was at Liverpool towards the end of Steven’s career and there was a match where he didn’t even make the 16-man squad. In Holland it’s always someone else’s fault. Their first reaction is to blame someone. “Do you know what Steven did? He said nothing, went home and trained harder than I’ve seen someone train the next day. That’s what he is all about. “We have a really special friendship. I am really looking forward to seeing him at Ibrox.”