DUTCH COURAGE

My dad won the Champions League and almost won Ballon d’Or – now I’m making my own way in Premier League

Newcomer to English football says his legendary dad is 'proud' of him

JUSTIN KLUIVERT’S smallest dream must be to emulate his famous dad’s goalscoring record in the Premier League.

Kluivert senior – Holland strike legend Patrick – was far better known for his heroics with Ajax and Barcelona than his six-goal season for Newcastle.

2023 Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth
Justin Kluivert’s first target is to become a regular pick for the Cherries

Justin says dad Patrick is ‘proud’ of Kluivert Junior’s career so far

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Patrick Kluivert celebrates one of his six goals in 25 Prem games for Newcastle, the only English top-flight club he played for

Justin, 24, insists he did not even look up his father’s Prem stats when he arrived at Bournemouth from Roma in June this year.

And for now that’s just as well – because the twice-capped winger has started just four top-flight games so far.

Kluivert Junior has also made three Prem appearances off the bench as he awaits his first goal.

Former AC Milan, Valencia and PSG star Patrick – who was fifth in the 1995 Ballon d’Or won by George Weah – manages Turkish side Adana Demirspor.

And having won the Champions League with Ajax, as well as Liga at Barca, the 47-year-old is well-qualified to give his son some attacking tips.

Justin heralded his summer move to the Prem by telling Sky Sports: “It’s funny because I’ve been through a lot of leagues and also some clubs that he played also, so that’s also nice.

“And also in the Premier League, where he played a bunch, years back and now me also.

“I know he’s proud of me and that’s very nice also to say that my dad played in the Premier League and now it’s my time to give my all for Bournemouth in the Premier League.”

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The ex-Ajax ace, who had loan spells with RB Leipzig, Nice and Valencia, confirmed he was in the dark over his dad’s tally at the Toon.

Asked if father and son had bantered about Kluivert senior’s Prem record, he replied: “I haven’t, I haven’t.

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“I don’t know how much he has, I’m not sure, but of course I want more and that’s what I’m going for, for sure.”

More than six doesn’t seem much of a goal target but as he takes time to adjust to the Prem this term it would be a magnificent seven if he pulled it off by next May.

2023 AFC Bournemouth
Kluivert, seen training with Dominic Solanke, Marcus Tavernier and Lloyd Kelly, only moved to the Vitality Stadium in June
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