In his six years at Liverpool Dirk Kuyt played in many positions.
The Dutchman was deployed as a central striker before playing as a wide attacker or winger - but, above all, he was a trier.
A hat-trick against Manchester United helped, but Kuyt earned the love of the Anfield crowd through sweat and effort rather than sweeping them off their feet with a silky touch or heady rush of goals.
The industrious, whole-hearted way he played on the pitch seemed to mirror the man off it.
Kuyt, the son of a trawlerman, has spoken with pride of his working-class values, while his wife Gertrude continued her career in care of the elderly until the birth of their second child.
Seven years ago the pair, deciding they wanted to do more charity work than their club duties demanded, set up a foundation to help disabled children enjoy sports.
Last summer Kuyt, with nearly 32 years on the clock and a settled life on Merseyside, contemplated the year remaining on his Liverpool contract.
Staying at the club, with the possibility of a more lucrative move in 12 months' time, would have been the easy option.
But that nagging work ethic would not let him take it.
"I had six wonderful years but in the last year I was not playing as much as I wanted to play," he told BBC Sport.
"I always respect the decision of the club and the managers but I didn't want to see myself on the bench watching football.
"I will be a Liverpool supporter all my life - but after my career I can spend time sitting down watching games."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21527698
