Justin Kluivert – Following in his father’s footsteps

Ronald Koeman named seven uncapped players in his first Dutch National Team squad this week as the Oranje look to bounce back from their failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup. The youngest of the newcomers is 18 year-old Ajax winger Justin Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert.

The call-up is the reward for a fine season in which Kluivert has established himself as first choice for Ajax, helping himself to 7 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. Kluivert first broke into the side in the second half of last season, helping the Amsterdam giants to the Europa League Final.

His form has seen him linked with moves to both Manchester United and his father’s former club Barcelona. Justin is a different type of player than his father, more of a winger than a central striker. He is your archetypal Dutch winger; his low centre of gravity, pace,agility and quick feet making him an excellent dribbler and he has also inherited his father’s eye for goal.

Patrick Kluivert had a glittering career with Ajax, Barcelona and the Dutch National Team for whom he scored 40 goals in 79 caps. Justin is just starting out in his career but he already looks like he is making a name for himself and if he continues his upward trajectory there is no reason why he can’t match the incredible career his father enjoyed.