AFC Bournemouth are having a spectacular season, pushing for European qualification for the first time in their history.
A major part of this is the high-flying Justin Kluivert, being the clubs top goalscorer and one of the most important players in the team this season.
Kluivert, speaking exclusively to BUzz News as part of Bournemouth University’s Big Match partnership with the club, covered topics as diverse as the team’s push into Europe, the comparisons to his father Patrick, and his all time 5-a-side team of career teammates.
You have lived in some amazing places and you find yourself now in Bournemouth. Have you found your home here in Bournemouth and the Premier League?
“I have. Me and my wife live together and we’re enjoying it here. We have a nice apartment and were fully set up here now”
You’re in exceptional form, do you have eyes on getting back into the Netherlands squad for the upcoming international break in March?
“Yes, that’s big for me. To play for your country is the biggest honour as an athlete and that is my goal, to really get in the squad.”
People of course make comparisons between you and your dad. Do that annoy you as you’re both different players and play in different positions?
“It doesn’t annoy me of course, but as you say we are completely different from each other, so to compare is not fair for both of us. He’s good at certain things and I’m good at my things. We’re totally different but it’s good, it’s normal, it’s an honour.”
There are some massive games coming up, with the amazing form that you have been in. Will they be a true test to how far the club has come under Iraola?
“Yeah, I think we have shown this season what we are as a club and as a team. Especially the Newcastle game was one of them, but we have to continue this run. Then we can really show how good we are as a team and as a club.”
Six out of six penalties scored, 100% record. There is a certain air of inevitability about you with your penalties. What is the process you go through from the penalty being awarded to you eventually scoring?
“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.”
You see often someone else take the ball to take the pressure away from the taker. Do you find that helpful or would you rather have the ball and get in the frame of mind?
“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.”
At the beginning of the season you were in and out of the squad but with injuries and such you have cemented your place in the starting eleven and really ran with it. Do you feel like you have really seized your moment?
“Yes, I feel like I really took my chances for sure, but I would love for the guys who are not fit to get back into the squad because we will really need them. They’re great players and I’ll be happy to have them back. If it means I’ll be on the bench one time it won’t be anything I’m mad at because we’re a team. We do it together and as we’ve shown this season the players that come on the pitch can change the game. Were a team and to be on the bench is not a problem across the whole season – it can happen.”
What would it mean to you to win a major trophy with Bournemouth?
“Of course, that would be amazing. To win trophies is everyone’s dream and that’s why we work hard everyday, so who knows.”
When you joined the club last season, at the beginning the club went on a rough run of nine games without a win. 18 months on and the club is battling for European football. Could you have imagined how quick the turn around could be?
“I could say now; yes. But of course at the time you’re thinking: first year in the Premier League, losing all the games, gosh are we gonna get relegated or what? But its good that the club always had faith in the coach, and the coach in us. And us in the coach, we knew we were working on something bigger than the first few games. We showed that and it’s nice to be battling for Europe this season. It gives us extra motivation for this season.”
Before a match, do you have any pre-game superstitions?
“No, nothing really special. I don’t want to make one because then you’re stuck on it.”
Why should people put you in their FPL Teams?
“Because right now I’m in good form, so if I were them and I wanted to earn some points, I would say put me in because I feel good.”
If you were to make a 5-a-side team from players you have played with in your career, who would make the team?
“For sure, the best player I’ve played with, Frenkie De Jong. – he’s number one. Virgil Van Dijk, that’s a really solid defender. I’ll put myself, that’s three. I’ll put Edin Dzeko, I think he’s a real legend. I played with him in Italy. Noa Lang, my friend, my best friend in football.”
If you were allowed some subs on your five-a-side team who would they be?
“Semenyo, Milos [Kerkez] can go in there for sure. Great players. I need a keeper I was thinking so – Kepa aswell. He’s a great keeper.”
What is your opinion on VAR? Keep it? Scrap it? Does it need changing?
“No I think we need to keep it for sure because it is something that is good. I remember a cup game we had at West Ham away which was for sure a handball. So I love to have VAR at the moment. Obviously if it’s against you – you don’t like it but if it’s for you – you like it but I would say keep it. But it can be a bit faster, they have to work on that but I’m sure they will.”
Out of all of the amazing countries you have lived where had the best cuisine?
“Italy. I loved Italy. I lived in Rome and that was an amazing place to live. You had everything: the beach, the city, the people, the food, the weather, name it. Italy was my number one place to live.
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