Dutchman, Justin Kluivert is loving life at AFC Bournemouth this season. Racking up 11 goals and four assists in 22 games for the South Coast side, culminating with the attacking midfielder being nominated for the January Premier League player of the month award, alongside defender Dean Huijsen and manager Andoni Iraola.
Kluivert has an air of inevitability with his penalties, having scored six this season alone including a hattrick from the spot in the 4-2 victory against Wolves earlier this season.
When talking about his immaculate record in an exclusive interview with BUzz News, the 25-year-old confessed: “I would say when the penalty is awarded is when I get a bit stressed about what I’m gonna do, but I actually know what I’m gonna do already.
“As soon as I put the ball down I’m fully confident, I’m at peace and I know what I’m gonna do.”
It’s become common at the top level for a teammate to take the ball, pretending as if they’re the ones about to take the penalty, and then tossing it to the real taker just before the referee knows who’s taking it. After being asked if this recent trend is something that benefits him, Kluivert said: ““It helps, for sure, although for me – I’d say I don’t mind.
“That’s a bit cocky to say but for sure it helps having my teammates support me. They take the ball; they play with the keeper and then I can be calm and when I take the ball, I’m fully focused.”
Bournemouth host league leaders Liverpool at the Vitality this Saturday, with kick off at 3pm, where the Cherries will be looking to extend their 13 game unbeaten run.
Singer’s tour to start in Bournemouth