An extensive look at one of the best goal-poachers the beautiful game’s ever seen: Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Soccer is simple, but it is difficult to play simple – Johan Cruyff
The late great is truly an ambassador of the beautiful game. When you ponder Dutch football, Hendrik Johannes Cruyff is perhaps the first player who comes to mind. His anecdotes have been cast in motivational speeches, books and even on coffee mugs. Going by what he famously said, soccer is indeed not that hard to comprehend, but contrary the latter half of the extract, there are some who make it look effortless and simple. Case in point? Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
The Dutch are often known for their near-perfect technique, narcissist attitude and the distinctive trait of self-sabotage that seems to be ever present no matter what generation you’re in. For decades, the Netherlands as a country has produced some of the most prodigious talents in world football who are worshipped around the globe.
When you think of the 21st century Dutch forwards, there are some big names on the list. Patrick Kluivert, Roy Makaay, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Dennis Bergkamp are the names that stand out. They will forever remain icons for future stars anywhere on the planet for their oft unseen extraordinary technique. But one man who has gone under the radar is Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.