Patrick Kluivert's son makes his international debut
What's the story
Justin Kluivert, the son of legend Patrick Kluivert, made his father proud when he made his international debut in the 77th minute for the Netherlands in the 3-0 victory over Portugal in Geneva. The 18-year-old replaced goal-scorer Memphis Depay to win his first international cap at the same age as his legendary father. Here's more about this budding footballer.
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Justin makes his father proud
Hero Holland needs?
Justin will have to work hard to revive Dutch football
Dutch football has been on the downfall for a while. The Oranje were the finalists of the 2010 World Cup but failed to qualify for Euro 2016. They faced another set back after not qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Stalwarts Robben and Sneijder have retired and they need talented footballers like Justin to revive Dutch football.
Rising star
Comparisons to his father haven't slowed his progress
If you are a son of the football legend, you will always draw comparisons to your father, but that has not burdened junior Kluivert. In fact, he has been more motivated and that has seen him make remarkable progress. Currently playing for Ajax, where his father began his illustrious career, Justin was handed his first-team debut in January last year.
Quick rise
Justin made his Ajax debut last January
Justin scored his first goal against Excelsior in March, and soon began to draw interest from top clubs across the globe after his eye-catching performances. He helped Ajax reach the final of the Europa League against Manchester United. However, in the final, Justin was on the bench and could only watch his side lose 2-0 to Jose Mourinho's Red Devils.
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Seizing the opportunity
In October he was dropped from the starting XI. But when he got another opportunity he marked his return with a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Roda JC. Since then, he has started 17 of Ajax's matches and has scored 7 goals.
Hot prospect
Long way to go to match his father
Justin has a long way to go if he wants to emulate his legendary father. Patrick won the 1995 Champions League for Ajax, when he was only 19 years. But one thing Justin has, that his father didn't achieve, is Eredivisie hat-trick at 18. Justin proudly sports his family name on the back of his jersey and hopes to carry the legacy forward.