Patrick Kluivert’s son Ruben becomes second child to sign pro contract as defender aims to be ‘new van Dijk’ at Utrecht
RUBEN KLUIVERT followed in the footsteps of dad Patrick and brother Justin when signing his first professional deal with Utrecht on Saturday.
And the defender is hoping to reach the level of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
The Kluiverts are a hugely successful sporting family with grandfather Kenneth starring for Surinamese team Robinhood in the 1960s.
Patrick Kluivert came through the Ajax academy and won the Champions League before a long spell at La Liga giants Barcelona.
In the game now are Justin and Ruben with the latter now 18 and into his second year at Utrecht.
The ambitious centre-back, described as "defensively strong and dangerous at corners" by technical director Jordy Zuidam, is now signed to 2022.
Kluivert told the club website: "[Van Dijk] is strong in the air and fast on the ground. A complete player. I base myself on him."
At two years his senior, brother Justin has already made his senior Netherlands debut after impressing at Roma and the third sibling, Quincy, is also a footballer.
However the ex-Vitesse youth player is currently without a club.
For Ruben, this latest step is a proud moment that his famous family are also delighted with.
He added: "They are happy for me and proud of me.
"Of course I hope to someday follow them to Italy or Spain, but now I am focusing on Utrecht."