Kluivert eager to improve ahead of Nations League decider with Spain

The Dutch international recognised that his performance against Spain in Rotterdam was one of his best with the Netherlands but said he knows he can and must do better.

"A seed has been planted, even though I've only played one good match. As a team, we were quite good, there were some really strong phases, and personally, I did well, though I can be hard on myself both in attack and defence, that's a positive thing," he said in a press conference before Sunday's return leg in Valencia.

The match will be held at Mestalla, a stadium Kluivert knows well, having played for Valencia on loan during the 2022/23 season. "I played here for a year, I really like this stadium, the fans have always treated us well, it's beautiful. Although now I'm playing away and they'll support them more, it will be tough," he predicted.

"I'm happy to be back, it's a great game, I really like Mestalla. I think it will be different now, we are the opponents, but for us, it's special to return here, and I hope that after the match, regardless of the result, there will be people happy to see us," he added.

On a personal note, the winger recognised that playing for his country is a dream come true. "It's beautiful, every young kid wants to play for the national team. I had that dream, and I'm grateful. Playing for your country is the most beautiful thing in life," he stated.

Regarding his impressive form with both the Netherlands and Bournemouth, Kluivert joked: "They say that being a father has given me wings, maybe I'll think about having a second child... I grew up in a football-crazy family, my dad (Patrick Kluivert) played at the highest level."

Finally, when asked about a possible penalty shoot-out, Kluivert admitted that he didn't used to enjoy taking penalties, but has been practising recently and feels comfortable as a penalty taker.