So we've seen the likes of Gerrard, Carragher, Torres (Yes I know, but he is a good player..), Alonso, Hyypia, Riise, Hamann, Finnan, Owen, Fowler and Murphy...(and the mighty IGOR BISCAN) all play for us this past 10 years and I think all will be remembered in some part for either their lengthy time, impressive goalscoring records or their appearances in the 2001, 2005 or 2007 European finals. Out of those players I only really expect Gerrard, Carragher, Fowler, Owen and Hyypia to be remembered as Liverpool "greats". The question is... Do you think Kuyt and Lucas have it in them to become Liverpool legends in the mould of Hyypia, Riise or Alonso (considering they're all foreign)? Personally I think they both have it in them. Kuyt will be remember by me for being a work horse who never gives up and Lucas will always be remembered by me as the man who turned himself into a good player through sheer perseverance. So, do they have it in them to become legends? Perhaps even get inducted into the hall of fame if either of them stay long enough?
Time is the most important factor. It displays a loyalty and love for the club and if you're asked to stay you must be good enough. I think Lucas has more chance than Kuyt as he's still young enough to become a truly world class player, whereas Kuyt is really banking on his tireless dedication to the cause, worthy enough in itself. However, Dossena is legend to me for one goal so it's quite random sometimes.
I agree, time is an important factor but then I think we all judge players to be past it far too early. I'll take Raul as case in point - In his last season with Real Madrid he got 7 goals in 39 games, whereas the season before he was getting 24~ish a season. So he was discarded as "past it" by Real Madrid, and went to Shalke to finish his career. Do he look like he's lost it at Shalke? Not a chance, 18 goals in 45 appearances as a 33 year old is very impressive. It's the same with the likes of the AC Milan greats - all coming into their late 30s but still getting regular games and continuing to impress. The same with Giggs, Scholes etc.. I think we're far too quick to discard players as finished.
I'll say now, I would not be surprised to see Kuyt stay until the end of his contract (2013) and perhaps even longer.
Sometimes the move is needed to milk whatever's left from the player. Look at the change in Eto'o under Rafa simply because Rafa played him differently to Mourinho. Agreed, I think he's destined to become a Club Elder.
I really hope Lucas stays and does become regarded as a legend. He took a lot of stick from us fans but never complained and just kept working. We maybe expected too much from him and really attacked him when his performances were not good enough. Lucas just accepted the pressure as part of playing for our club and instead of moaning to the press or looking for a move he just knuckled down and played better. Whatever his future I will always remember him fondly as a true proffesional who worked hard for our club.
If you forget about talent for a moment,Dirk Kuyt will go down as a liverpool legend for his overall professionalism.Lets be fair,there is more talented players that are far less professional than him.Rooney being one.Rooney may have more talent than Kuyt,but Rooney will never be a model professional like Kuyt is. Rooney is as much a model professional as George Best,Gazza and Paul Merson were.They weren't.Dirk Kuyt in terms of professionalism is up with the best ie Sami Hyypia,Jari Litmanen,Dennis Bergkamp,Marcel Desailly,Gianfranco Zola.Lucas is only 24,but he's got a long way to get up to Kuyts level.Lets be fair you would never see Dirk Kuyt shagging grannies/prostitutes or picking a fight with a corner flag?Or he isn't an alcoholic junkie like Merson.
kuyt will definatly be a cult hero he already is dont know about him becoming a club legend in the mould of , rush,kenny, keegan etc. lucas on the other hand has time to go on to bigger and better things with this club and end up a true legend , thing is will he grasp the chance
Kuyt will be never mentioned in the same breath as Kenny or Rushie.He will be a cult hero.But with regards to model professionalism,and being a top bloke,He's up with the best and as far as I'm concerned in that respect is Sami Hyypia.
