“No One Will Forget It” – Former Liverpool Star Heaps Praise on Arne Slot | OneFootball

Kuyt Reflects on Slot’s Impact as Liverpool Close in on Premier League Glory

When Dirk Kuyt speaks about Liverpool, it comes from a place of lived experience and enduring emotion. The Dutchman, who gave six tireless seasons to the club, is now watching with pride as another Dutchman, Arne Slot, closes in on something Kuyt himself never achieved: lifting the Premier League title at Anfield.

“It will be absolutely massive,” Kuyt told The Athletic. “For Arne to win the Premier League in his first season in charge will be something no one will ever forget.”

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Liverpool’s 30-year title drought ended in 2020, yet that triumph unfolded in silence due to the pandemic. As Kuyt points out: “It took such a long time for Liverpool to win the championship. And then when it happened last time it was a bad time for people all over the world, but especially for Liverpool supporters because they couldn’t enjoy the success properly.”

This time, it would be different.

Dutch Influence Runs Deep at Anfield

Slot’s imprint on this Liverpool side has been immediate. From Feyenoord to Merseyside, his tactical identity has translated quickly, and effectively. “He’s managed to build on Jurgen’s achievements and do it his way,” said Kuyt. “He’s made Premier League games look easy at times.”

Slot’s ability to transition from Klopp’s era into his own has impressed not just fans but former players too. Kuyt, who shadowed Slot during his coaching development, knew he had the tools. “But nobody expected it to go this well, besides maybe Arne himself.”

Key to Liverpool’s resurgence has been the Dutch spine—Van Dijk, Gravenberch, and Gakpo all playing central roles. Kuyt was especially glowing about Van Dijk’s resurgence: “He is turning 34 soon but players now can go on longer… I hope that soon we get the green light that they will be staying at Liverpool.”

On Gravenberch, Kuyt praised Slot’s influence. “Arne knew him well from his time in Holland and has managed to get the best. He’s still only 22 and sometimes people forget that.” Cody Gakpo, too, has thrived: “That position on the left, cutting inside to shoot, is what he really likes and it’s where he’s best.”

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Pride and Purpose on and off the Pitch

Kuyt returns to Anfield this weekend for a Legends match against Chelsea, playing for a cause close to his heart: the LFC Foundation. “The best days of my life were as a football player and once a year, I still get the chance to play at the best place to play football,” he said.

With Sir Kenny Dalglish managing the squad and names like Gerrard, Hyypiä, and Crouch alongside him, it’s more than a kickabout—it’s tradition, celebration, and community in one.

“The cause we’re doing it for is really important. Liverpool is a big example to clubs across the world in terms of giving back to the community,” Kuyt added.

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Title Talk Gathers Momentum

Liverpool, currently 12 points clear, need only 16 more to mathematically seal the title. After disappointment in Europe and in the Carabao Cup, the focus is now sharp. “It means there’s now complete focus on the Premier League and giving everything so they can lift that trophy at Anfield on May 25,” Kuyt said.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, Dirk Kuyt’s comments strike a powerful chord. This is a player who understood the club’s identity, gave everything in a red shirt, and now recognises that Arne Slot has restored a sense of order and optimism at Anfield.

Slot’s tactical clarity has revived players and reenergised the fanbase. His man-management, coupled with his aggressive but controlled system, has made Liverpool a joy to watch again. That he has done it in his first season, after following one of the most beloved managers in the club’s history, makes it all the more remarkable.

Supporters will especially appreciate Kuyt’s praise of Van Dijk and Salah. With both approaching contract crossroads, there’s genuine hope that Slot’s project will convince them to extend their stay.

If Liverpool do lift the title in May, it won’t just be a footballing success—it will be a healing moment for a city denied its proper celebration in 2020. And this time, the parade will go all the way.