The outspoken former Oranje coach believes Fenerbahce's new signing is an underrated player and could provide an attacking alternative to Gregory van der Wiel
Johan Cruyff has admitted that he would consider fielding Dirk Kuyt at right-back for Netherlands at Euro 2012 if he were coach of the Dutch national team.The former Ajax and Barcelona legend also said that he would opt for a more attacking line-up that what current coach Bert van Marwijk normally deploys, and he believed Kuyt, who recently joined Fenerbahce for €1 million, would be able to provide the team with more thrust up front compared to first-choice right back Gregory van der Wiel.
"Maybe I'd play with Dirk Kuyt as a right-back," Cruyff told Algemeen Dagblad. "Why not? Most opponents play without a left winger. I think Kuyt is better than we all think. He doesn't have to change his style of play at all. He can play like he always does, just a bit deeper."
Cruyff also addressed the attacking selection issues facing van Marwjk: whether to pair Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with Robin Van Persie or to opt for the Arsenal forward in a lone striking role.
"Knowing myself, I know that I would pick them both. Make a few changes, try a few things, be adventurous. Bert [van Marwijk] is different. He deserves respect for what he has achieved with Oranje, but he puts himself under huge pressure with his selections."
Cruyff then waded into the debate regarding whether 18-year-old Jetro Willems is ready to step up at full international level as he is expected to be Netherlands' preferred left-back at the Euros.
"Has Willems got enough experience? "He'll never get it if he is never given the chance to play. You have to back [those players with] speed."
Netherlands kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Denmark in Group B at 18:00CET this Saturday.
