Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt insists former Ajax pair Hakim Ziyech and Donny van de Beek will prove themselves at Premier League level - if given enough time.
Both midfielders left Ajax last summer for their Premier League clubs having helped the Dutch giants to the Champions League semifinals the previous season and also to local Eredivisie domination.
But Van de Beek has struggled all season to earn a regular game at Manchester United, while Ziyech was left on the bench for Chelsea's defeat of Sheffield United on the weekend.
However, Kuyt told Ziggo Sport via Voetbalzone: "He (Ziyech) just needs time. And it is not the least footballers who play there. So it remains difficult for Ziyech, but also for Donny van de Beek.
“They have performed fantastic on behalf of Ajax in the Champions League, they have shown that they can compete with the absolute top of the world. And then you come to Chelsea or Manchester United and then you want to continue that, but that just needs time."
With Liverpool, Kuyt won the League Cup and also reached the 2007 Champions League final.
He added, "If they keep the patience, they will get there and experience a very nice period there."
Van de Beek started Wednesday night's FA Cup victory over West Ham United. The midfielder has managed 25 appearances for United this season, scoring once in 12 Premier League games. Ziyech, meanwhile, has played 18 times for Chelsea, scoring twice.
- updated February 10
