As the Netherlands prepare for their decisive World Cup clash with Mexico, Louis van Gaal is ready to hand a 100th cap to an unlikely recipient.
Former Liverpool man Dirk Kuyt will be filling in at left-wing back for the Dutch as they face Mexico later today, and in the process reaching a century of caps after a decade in the national side. And there is almost something poetic about the once prolific Eredivisie striker reaching such a landmark by fulfilling a selfless role in van Gaal’s 5-3-2.
The Fenerbache forward-cum-winger earned his Dutch debut nearly ten years ago, after being called into Marco van Basten’s first squad for a game against Liechtenstein in September 2004 and this summer marks Kuyt’s fifth international tournament with Oranje, and the continuation of his gradual move away from a forward starting position.
James Dutton 