But it is only in the last 16 months that this has begun to become a reality.

An international at 18, scorer of the winning goal in the European Cup final at 19, he then endured a horrible few years with a disastrous move to Milan, involvement with a fatal car crash and police questioning over an alleged rape.

Things only began to improve with three goals as Holland reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup and a move to join up with his old mentor Louis van Gaal at Barcelona.

It is at the Nou Camp where Kluivert is finally blossoming.

Despite the intense competition for places amongst the ranks of international strikers, he has started more games than any other player.

With his first touch and predatory instinct, along with his ability in the air and on the deck and the likes of Cocu, Davids and Bergkamp in supporting roles, he has an excellent chance of being leading scorer at these championships.