DID Dirk discover his best position for us on Tuesday night?
I've always been a fairly strong critic of the Dutchman (his ability not is commitment), so when he produces the goods it's only right to acknowledge it.
I was impressed by the much maligned striker against Inter.
Playing as a right winger, or an old fashioned inside right, he looked the part.
Being a striker himself, Dirk knows how he wants a ball delivered into the box, and he whipped in a handful of devilish balls which any forward worth his salt should have been feasting on.
The position also allows him to storm in from the right when balls are swung over into the box, and gives us a presence at the far post.
Plus, there's his prodigious work rate which certainly makes any rampaging full back think twice before bombing on down the touchline.
It was a slot he occupied for his national team in the World Cup in Germany, before we signed him, and I must confess I thought he was lost there.
Van Nistelrooy was first choice up top, and it seemed the only place they could accommodate Dirk was on the wing.
Perhaps at club level, where endeavour, desire, and ruggedness is sometimes a more prized commodity than flair, the former Feyenoord man can get away with it.
But the boy did well against Inter.
Whether we keep hold of Dirk is another matter all together, but Benitez may have hit upon a role for his struggling Dutchman until the end of the season at least.
Comments (4)
agree with that luke. it has to be said, dirk's done well of late.
Posted by Jan | March 16, 2008 6:42 PM
Posted on March 16, 2008 18:42
Nice guy, very average player.
Posted by Herbie Hancock's thumb. | March 17, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 13:48
Totally agree! Just a lack of quality infront of goal, such a shame...
Posted by Matt Humphreys | March 17, 2008 4:26 PM
Posted on March 17, 2008 16:26
Watching Dirk playing week in week out, I realy feel sorry for Peter Crouch seating on the bench, compering the first touch and the quality passes between the two players, I can't understand Benitez choise
Posted by Wally attia | March 19, 2008 3:57 AM
Posted on March 19, 2008 03:57