Netherlands midfielder Dirk Kuyt has hailed the leadership of captain Robin van Persie during his side's World Cup campaign.

The Oranje finished in third place in the competition after beating Brazil in their playoff match on Saturday, and the former Liverpool man believes that the 30-year-old's guidance helped blend the team together.

Kuyt told reporters: "I've played in five tournaments and the togetherness of the squad has never been as great as it has been at this World Cup.

"It's something I haven't experienced before and a lot of that is down to Robin. I think we were a genuine team.

"He was injured for two months and fought so hard to come back – the way he led the team was fantastic."

Van Persie scored four goals at the tournament for Louis van Gaal's side.