Dirk Kuyt has said that he is proud of Netherlands achievements in the World Cup. The Netherlands endured a narrow 1-0 final defeat to Spain on Sunday, after winning every other one of their matches. Despite the loss, the squad were greeted by enthusiastic celebrations along the canals of Amsterdam earlier this week.

Speaking to NOS, Kuyt was amazed by the reception afforded to the players.

"I did not know that the Netherlands could be so united, which is unique," Dirk Kuyt said.

"It's amazing when you are thanked in this way. At that moment you are really proud to be Dutch.

"We can be proud of ourselves: we have given everything that we had inside. We just did not win the cup, but we are proud of each other. We should cherish this."

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The new Liverpool Home Kit is in our famous red, whilst the away kit is white with red pinstripes.

Both are on offer at Red Hot Football - the soccer specialists.

Dirk Kuyt admits it is crucial Liverpool get themselves back in the UEFA Champions League next season.

"Liverpool is a massive club. It's very disappointing that we don't have the Champions League because, up until last season, we had done so well in the competition," said Kuyt.

"But this is what has happened. We have just got to make sure that we will be right back in it next year.

"Players who want to play in the Champions League would like Liverpool.

"We just have to make sure that we will back in it within one year."

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Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes that Maxi Rodriguez is starting to show that he is a "top player" who is improving all the time.

The Argentine, a January arrival from Atletico Madrid, has shown signs that he is settling in England in recent performances and Kuyt feels that he has provided some useful competition for places at Anfield.

"I think he's doing better and better," the Dutchman told the Reds' official website.

"For me, Maxi is a quality player and one of the best things is that's he's adapted so quickly.

"He's come from another country and he speaks another language, and still he wants to do his best for the team.

"He's been really important in the games he's played. And him joining us means the squad is a little bit bigger and has definitely improved.

"It means everyone has to challenge even more for his place, and that's always a good thing."

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has expressed his satisfaction with the debut performance by the club's summer signing Alberto Aquilani during the League Cup tie against Arsenal.

The Italian had undergone surgery and spent an extended period on the sidelines and appeared on his Liverpool debut as a substitute for the Reds' reserves, before going on to make his debut, again as a substitute, but in the League Cup game against the Gunners.

The Reds lost 2-1 to the north London club on Wednesday, but their stand-in captain Kuyt hailed the ex-Roma player for making a positive impact on the game.

"We have known Albert for a while and I’m very happy for him that he has made his debut," Kuyt told the Liverpool Echo.

"Hopefully we will see a lot more from him now. He’s a nice lad on and off the pitch and it’s good for him and us that he has finally played."

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel have been called up to the Holland squad for the forthcoming international friendly against England.

Yes that’s right, just as we’re settled and ready to kick-off the new Premier League season, there’s an international there to throw the spanner in the works.

Kuyt and Babel join Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong in Bert van Marwijk for the friendly on August 12th.

Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson are expected to be called up by Fabio Capello to represent England.

Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool are about to embark on an historic season.

And the Dutch forward is aware that with Javier Mascherano seemingly about to commit his future to the club, the Reds now have a stable squad with the vast majority on long-term deals.

"We have a sense now, a really strong belief, that we can go on and achieve what we want because the quality is there and the progress is there," said Kuyt, speaking in a Liverpool FC magazine interview.

"Throughout my career I have always had another dream and have achieved it. I will not stop dreaming until we get what we want with Liverpool, and that is the title.

"This team can be proud of itself and the way we played last season. We can hold our heads high.

"Last season we beat the biggest teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, twice each in the league.

"We can say that there were too many draws in the home games, but you have to learn from it because we are a young team."

Kuyt underlined his commitment to the Reds' cause by agreeing a two-year extension to his Anfield deal earlier this year.

Dirk Kuyt has revealed he spurned the chance to join Tottenham – and signed for Liverpool because of the honesty of Rafa Benitez.

Tottenham, then managed by Martin Jol, were the first to move for Kuyt while he was at Feyenoord and gave the Holland star the chance to realise his dream to play in the Premier League.

Kuyt, who lines up against Spurs today, had always wanted to play in England and he said: “They are a nice club. Financially it was really tempting and in Martin Jol they had a good coach.

“But with all respect, Tottenham are not as attractive as Liverpool or Arsenal so they were not on my list.”

It was the way that Benitez handled the transfer three years ago that persuaded Kuyt to move to Anfield.

“Liverpool were in the top five of my list,” he said. “It was important that Rafa came to me. That is a lesson for players – don’t move if it is the chairman or president thatknocks on your door.

“You must speak to the manager. You have to be sure it is him that wants you – and Rafa wanted me a lot.

“He was honest with me about how he used the rotation system so I had immediate respect for him.”

Dirk Kuyt admits Manchester City's lavish summer spending has made Liverpool's players sit up and take notice, but the Dutchman remains confident the Premier League title could still be heading for Merseyside.

With the likes of Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and one-time Liverpool target Gareth Barry all signed up to the Eastlands revolution, with more to follow, talk of City breaking into the top four this season has been widespread.

Bids have also been tabled for Chelsea captain John Terry and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, as City boss Mark Hughes looks to accelerate his side to silverware.

Kuyt concedes that the stranglehold Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have enjoyed over the rest of the top flight in recent years could be seriously challenged this season.

But although Liverpool have made only one signing to date in Glen Johnson, Kuyt is confident Rafa Benitez's side can build on last term's second placed finish.

"They have bought some good players but we are comfortable with our squad and our players and we are comfortable that we can play better than Manchester City this season," Kuyt told the Daily Star.