Tim Krul
Dutch footballer.
Tim Krul is a Dutch professional goalkeeper who has enjoyed a long and successful career in football. Born on April 3, 1988, in The Hague, Netherlands, Krul began his professional journey with Newcastle United in 2006. He spent over a decade with the Magpies, becoming their first-choice goalkeeper and earning a reputation for his shot-stopping abilities and penalty-saving prowess. Krul's time at Newcastle saw him experience both Premier League football and Championship campaigns, showcasing his adaptability and consistency across different levels of competition.After leaving Newcastle in 2017, Krul had brief stints with Brighton and a loan spell at AZ Alkmaar before finding a new home with Norwich City in 2018. At Norwich, he played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and has since been a key figure for the Canaries, despite their struggles to maintain top-flight status.
Throughout his career, Krul has been known for his commanding presence in the box, excellent distribution skills, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His international career with the Netherlands has also been noteworthy, particularly for his memorable appearance in the 2014 World Cup quarter-final against Costa Rica, where he was substituted on specifically for the penalty shootout and helped secure victory for his country.
Early life & youth football
Tim Krul's early life and youth career laid the foundation for his future success in professional football. Born and raised in The Hague, Krul showed promise as a goalkeeper from a young age. He began his youth career with local club HBS Craeyenhout, where his talent quickly became apparent. Krul's performances at the youth level caught the attention of scouts from larger clubs, and he soon joined the academy of ADO Den Haag, one of the most prominent clubs in his hometown.At ADO Den Haag, Krul continued to develop his skills and stood out as a promising young goalkeeper. His progress was rapid, and by the age of 17, he had attracted interest from several European clubs.
In 2005, Newcastle United won the race for his signature, bringing him to England to continue his development in their youth system. This move marked the beginning of Krul's journey in English football and set the stage for his future professional career.
Professional career
Tim Krul joined Newcastle United's youth academy in the summer of 2005 at the age of 17, making the move from ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands. This season was crucial for Krul's adaptation to English football and integration into Newcastle's youth setup. He primarily featured for the U18 team, impressing coaches with his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box. While he didn't make any first-team appearances, Krul's performances in youth matches and training sessions began to catch the eye of the senior coaching staff.
He worked closely with Newcastle's goalkeeping coaches to refine his technique and adapt to the more physical style of English football. This season laid the foundation for Krul's future success at the club.The 2006-2007 season marked Krul's breakthrough into the first-team picture. He continued to impress in the youth and reserve teams, which led to his inclusion in the senior squad for UEFA Cup matches.
Krul made his senior debut for Newcastle in a UEFA Cup match against Palermo on November 2, 2006, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory. At just 18 years old, he showed remarkable composure and skill, earning high praise from then-manager Glenn Roeder. This performance put Krul on the map as a promising young goalkeeper.Despite this impressive debut, Krul didn't make any Premier League appearances this season.
He was still considered a prospect for the future, with Shay Given firmly established as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, Krul's UEFA Cup appearance and continued strong performances in the reserves kept him in contention for future opportunities. He also featured in several pre-season friendlies, further integrating him into the first-team setup.Throughout the season, Krul worked closely with Newcastle's experienced goalkeepers, particularly Shay Given, learning from their expertise and professional approach.
This mentorship proved invaluable for his development. By the end of the season, Krul had established himself as a highly-rated young goalkeeper within the club, setting the stage for future opportunities.Recognizing the need for Krul to gain regular first-team experience, Newcastle arranged a loan move to Falkirk in the Scottish Premier League. This season was crucial for Krul's development as a professional goalkeeper.
He made his debut for Falkirk on August 18, 2007, in a 4-0 defeat against Gretna. Despite the tough start, Krul quickly adapted to the demands of senior football.Over the course of the season, Krul made 22 appearances for Falkirk across all competitions. He faced various challenges, including adapting to the physical nature of Scottish football and dealing with the pressure of being a first-choice goalkeeper at a professional club.
Krul's performances were generally impressive, with several standout games that showcased his potential.One of his most notable performances came in a Scottish Cup match against Rangers at Ibrox, where Falkirk secured a 1-1 draw. Krul made several crucial saves, earning praise from both his teammates and opponents. This game, in particular, demonstrated Krul's ability to perform on big occasions against top opposition.
The loan spell wasn't without its challenges. Falkirk struggled in the league, finishing 7th out of 12 teams, and Krul experienced both highs and lows. However, this adversity proved valuable for his development, teaching him how to handle pressure and bounce back from setbacks.Throughout the season, Newcastle's coaching staff kept a close eye on Krul's progress.
His performances and the experience gained at Falkirk reinforced the club's belief in his potential. The loan spell was deemed a success, providing Krul with the regular playing time he needed to continue his development.Krul returned to Newcastle for the 2008-2009 season with increased confidence and experience from his loan spell at Falkirk. However, he found himself as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Shay Given and Steve Harper.
This situation limited his first-team opportunities at Newcastle, but Krul remained focused on improving and waiting for his chance.During the first half of the season, Krul primarily featured for Newcastle's reserve team, maintaining his sharpness and continuing to develop his skills. He impressed in these matches, reinforcing his status as a promising young goalkeeper within the club.A significant change occurred in January 2009 when Shay Given left Newcastle for Manchester City.
This move promoted Steve Harper to first-choice goalkeeper and Krul to second choice. While this was a step up for Krul, he still found first-team opportunities limited.Seeking more regular playing time, Krul joined Carlisle United on loan in March 2009. This move to the League One club provided him with another opportunity to gain valuable experience in senior football.
Krul made his debut for Carlisle on March 3, 2009, in a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.During his time at Carlisle, Krul made 9 appearances, playing a crucial role in the team's successful battle against relegation. His performances were generally solid, with several standout games that helped Carlisle secure important points. This loan spell, although shorter than his time at Falkirk, provided Krul with experience in a different league and further exposed him to the pressures of first-team football.
Throughout the season, despite limited appearances for Newcastle, Krul continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience. The combination of reserve team football at Newcastle and his loan spells helped to round out his goalkeeping education, preparing him for future opportunities with the Magpies.The 2009-2010 season marked a significant turning point in Krul's Newcastle career. The club had been relegated to the Championship, which opened up more opportunities for younger players like Krul.
He started the season as the backup to Steve Harper but was determined to challenge for the first-choice position.Krul made his league debut for Newcastle on August 8, 2009, in the season opener against West Bromwich Albion, which ended in a 1-1 draw. His performance in this match was solid, giving manager Chris Hughton confidence in his abilities.Throughout the season, Krul shared goalkeeping duties with Steve Harper.
He made 25 appearances across all competitions, including 19 in the Championship. Krul's performances were generally impressive, contributing to Newcastle's strong defensive record as they pushed for immediate promotion back to the Premier League.One of Krul's standout performances came in a 2-0 victory against Crystal Palace on January 27, 2010, where he made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet. This game, among others, demonstrated Krul's growing confidence and ability to perform consistently at a high level.
Newcastle's campaign in the Championship was highly successful, with the team securing promotion as champions. Krul played a significant role in this achievement, with his performances helping the team maintain a strong defensive record throughout the season.The next season marked Krul's emergence as a serious contender for the first-choice goalkeeper position at Newcastle. He began the season as the backup to Steve Harper but got his chance when Harper was injured in September.
Krul made his Premier League debut for Newcastle on September 18, 2010, against Everton at Goodison Park. He came on as a substitute in the 35th minute for the injured Harper in a match that ended in a 1-0 win for Newcastle. This performance set the tone for Krul's season, as he showed composure and skill beyond his years.He made his first Premier League start on September 26 against Stoke City at St James' Park.
Krul went on to feature in several key matches, including a 2-1 loss to Manchester City, a 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic, and a 2-1 away win against West Ham United.One of Krul's standout performances came in his first Tyne-Wear derby, which Newcastle won 5-1. He followed this up with another impressive display in a 1-0 away win at Arsenal, making several crucial saves to secure the victory.Throughout the season, Krul made 25 appearances across all competitions, including 21 in the Premier League.
His performances were consistently strong, demonstrating excellent shot-stopping abilities and commanding his area well. This season was crucial in establishing Krul as a reliable Premier League goalkeeper and set the stage for him to challenge for the number one spot in the following season.The 2011-2012 season saw Krul firmly establish himself as Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper. He started the season in excellent form, keeping clean sheets in the first two matches against Arsenal and Sunderland.
These performances set the tone for what would be a breakthrough season for the Dutch goalkeeper.On December 3, 2011, Krul made his 50th Newcastle appearance in a match against Chelsea. Despite Newcastle losing the game 3-0, Krul's performance was outstanding. He saved a Frank Lampard penalty and made several other impressive saves, showcasing his ability to perform against top opposition.
Krul's consistent performances throughout the season were a key factor in Newcastle's impressive 5th place finish in the Premier League. He played in 38 out of 38 league games, keeping 15 clean sheets - a significant achievement for a goalkeeper in his first full season as a starter.On March 3, 2012, Krul signed a new five-year contract with Newcastle, a testament to his importance to the team and the club's faith in his abilities. His performances earned him widespread praise, with many considering him one of the best young goalkeepers in the Premier League.
One of the season's most memorable moments came in the away game against Arsenal. Although Newcastle lost 2-1, Krul's performance was noteworthy, not just for his saves but also for a post-match confrontation with Robin van Persie, who accused Krul of time-wasting. This incident demonstrated Krul's competitive nature and his willingness to stand up for himself on the big stage.In total, Krul made 43 appearances across all competitions this season, firmly establishing himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers.
Krul entered this season as Newcastle's undisputed number one goalkeeper, now wearing the number 1 shirt for the 2012-2013 Season. However, the season would prove to be challenging both for Krul and for Newcastle as a whole.He started the first three matches of the season before suffering an elbow injury while on international duty with the Netherlands. This injury kept him out for seven weeks, a significant setback at the start of the campaign.
Krul made his return in the Tyne-Wear derby on October 21, 2012, which ended in a 1-1 draw. His return was a boost for Newcastle, who had struggled in his absence.However, injuries continued to plague Krul's season. He suffered an ankle injury during a Europa League match against Metalist Kharkiv in the Round of 32, which ruled him out for another five weeks.
This stop-start nature to his season made it difficult for Krul to find consistent form.The season ended on a particularly sour note for Krul. In another Tyne-Wear derby on April 14, 2013, he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the 57th minute after landing awkwardly while punching away a free-kick. This injury required surgery and ruled him out for the remainder of the 2012-13 season.
Despite these setbacks, Krul still managed to make 31 appearances across all competitions. His performances, when fit, remained solid, but the frequent injuries prevented him from replicating the heights of the previous season. Newcastle struggled as a team, finishing 16th in the Premier League, and Krul's absences were certainly a contributing factor to their difficulties.After a injury-plagued previous season, Krul was determined to bounce back, and he did so in impressive fashion.
He started the season fully fit and quickly reestablished himself as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers.November 2013 was a particularly outstanding month for Krul. He put in a series of impressive performances, conceding just two goals in four games. The highlight was undoubtedly the match against Tottenham on November 10, where Krul made an incredible 14 saves to secure a 1-0 victory for Newcastle.
This performance equaled the Premier League record for most saves in a single match and earned him widespread praise.Krul's form continued throughout the month, with clean sheets against Chelsea and Norwich City. His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for November, a rare achievement for a goalkeeper.However, injuries once again disrupted Krul's season.
He sustained an ankle injury in training before Newcastle's match with West Ham United in January, ruling him out for several weeks. Despite this setback, Krul returned to finish the season strongly.In total, Krul made 36 Premier League appearances this season, keeping 10 clean sheets. His performances were a bright spot in a somewhat inconsistent season for Newcastle, who finished 10th in the league.
Krul's form this season reaffirmed his status as one of the Premier League's top goalkeepers and a key player for Newcastle.The 2014-2015 season was another solid campaign for Krul, although it was marked by some inconsistency both for him and for Newcastle as a team. He began the season as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and put in several strong performances early in the campaign.One of Krul's standout games came in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in October, where he made several crucial saves to secure the win.
However, Newcastle's form as a team was patchy, which put additional pressure on Krul and the defense.Krul's season was interrupted by an ankle injury sustained in November, which kept him out for several weeks. He returned to the team in December and played a key role in Newcastle's improved form over the festive period.The second half of the season was more challenging for both Krul and Newcastle.
The team's form dipped dramatically, leading to a relegation battle. Krul's performances remained generally solid, but he was unable to prevent Newcastle's slide down the table.In total, Krul made 32 Premier League appearances this season, keeping 9 clean sheets. While his individual performances were often good, Newcastle's struggles as a team meant that Krul was frequently under pressure.
The season ended with Newcastle narrowly avoiding relegation, finishing 15th in the league.2015-2016 Season:This would prove to be Krul's final season as Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper, and unfortunately, it was cut short by a severe injury. He started the season as the number one and played in the first eight Premier League matches.However, disaster struck in October 2015 during an international match for the Netherlands against Kazakhstan.
Krul suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, an injury that would rule him out for the remainder of the season.This injury was a significant blow both for Krul and for Newcastle. In his absence, the team struggled and ultimately ended the season relegated to the Championship. Krul made only 8 appearances this season before his injury, keeping two clean sheets.
The 2015-16 season marked the end of Krul's time as Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper. His long-term injury, combined with Newcastle's relegation, led to changes in the goalkeeping department for the following season.Although Krul was still contracted to Newcastle for this season, he did not feature for the club in his final season. As Newcastle prepared for life in the Championship and Krul continued his recovery from his knee injury, the decision was made to send him out on loan to gain playing time and rebuild his fitness.
Krul initially joined Ajax on a season-long loan in August 2016. However, he struggled to break into the first team there and in January 2017, the loan was terminated and he instead joined AZ Alkmaar for the remainder of the season.At AZ, Krul finally got the playing time he needed, making 22 appearances across all competitions. This loan spell was crucial in helping him regain match fitness and form after his long injury layoff.
While Krul was away on loan, Newcastle secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, it was becoming clear that Krul's long and successful association with the club was coming to an end.Tim Krul signed for Championship club Norwich City on July 24, 2018, on a two-year contract. This move marked a new chapter in Krul's career after his long association with Newcastle United and brief spells at Brighton and AZ Alkmaar.
Krul immediately established himself as Norwich's first-choice goalkeeper, playing a crucial role in the team's successful Championship campaign. He made 46 appearances in the league, keeping 13 clean sheets. His experience and shot-stopping abilities were vital in Norwich's promotion push.Norwich City finished the season as Championship winners, securing automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Krul's consistent performances and leadership at the back were key factors in the team's success. His ability to distribute the ball effectively and organize the defense proved invaluable throughout the season.One of the highlights of Krul's season came in a 3-2 victory over Bolton Wanderers in February 2019, where he made several crucial saves to preserve Norwich's lead. His performances earned him praise from manager Daniel Farke and established him as a fan favorite at Carrow Road.
Following Norwich's promotion, Krul signed a new three-year contract with the club in June 2019, demonstrating the team's faith in his abilities as they returned to the Premier League.The 2019-20 season was challenging for Norwich City as they struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League. However, Krul's performances were a bright spot in a difficult campaign. He made 36 Premier League appearances, facing a high volume of shots as Norwich's defense struggled against top-flight opposition.
One of Krul's standout performances came in a memorable 3-2 victory over defending champions Manchester City at Carrow Road. His saves and commanding presence were crucial in securing this upset win.Despite Norwich's relegation, Krul's individual performances were recognized as he was named Norwich City's Player of the Season. This made him only the fifth goalkeeper in the club's history to win the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy.
His shot-stopping, leadership, and consistency were widely praised, even as the team struggled.Back in the Championship, Krul remained Norwich's first-choice goalkeeper as they aimed for an immediate return to the Premier League. However, his season was disrupted by injury and illness.Krul started the season strongly but suffered a thigh injury in November during a match against Stoke City.
This injury, combined with a period of isolation due to a positive COVID-19 test, saw him miss a significant portion of the season between November and January.Despite these setbacks, Krul made 36 appearances across all competitions, keeping 18 clean sheets in the league. His return to the team in late January coincided with Norwich's push for promotion, and his experience and quality were crucial in helping the team secure the Championship title for the second time in three years.Krul's penalty-saving abilities came to the fore once again this season, most notably in an FA Cup tie against Tottenham where he saved two penalties in a shootout, although Norwich ultimately lost the tie.
Norwich's return to the Premier League for the 2021-22 season saw Krul retain his position as the team's number one goalkeeper. However, it was another challenging campaign for the club.Krul made 29 Premier League appearances this season, facing a barrage of shots as Norwich struggled defensively. Despite the team's difficulties, Krul's performances remained generally solid, and he produced several notable displays.
One of his standout games came in a 0-0 draw against Burnley in October, where he made several crucial saves to earn Norwich a valuable point. However, such performances were not enough to prevent Norwich from being relegated once again.Throughout the season, Krul's leadership and experience were vital in a young Norwich team. His ability to organize the defense and his shot-stopping skills were frequently called upon, even if the results didn't always reflect his efforts.
The 2022-23 season saw Norwich back in the Championship, with Krul starting as the first-choice goalkeeper. However, this season marked a significant change in his status at the club.Krul began the season as the starter but lost his place in the team following a 3-2 home defeat to Preston North End. He was replaced by Angus Gunn, son of former Norwich goalkeeper Bryan Gunn.
The arrival of new manager David Wagner in January briefly saw Krul restored to the starting lineup. He kept a clean sheet in Wagner's first game in charge, ironically against Preston North End in a 4-0 win. However, this return to the first team was short-lived.Krul made his final appearance for Norwich in a 3-0 defeat to Burnley, after which he was once again replaced by Gunn.
In total, Krul made 29 appearances in the Championship this season, keeping 8 clean sheets.Despite Norwich finishing the season strongly and securing a playoff spot, Krul's future at the club became uncertain. The team's promotion bid ultimately fell short, losing to Luton Town in the playoff semi-finals.The summer of 2023 marked the end of Krul's time at Norwich City.
With Angus Gunn established as the first-choice goalkeeper and Krul's high wages a factor, the club decided to let him move on.On August 17, 2023, Krul signed for newly-promoted Premier League club Luton Town. The move offered Krul a return to the top flight and the opportunity to continue his career at the highest level.At Luton, Krul initially served as backup to Thomas Kaminski.
However, he made his debut for the club in an EFL Cup match against Exeter City on August 29, 2023, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory.As of the latest available information, Krul has made 8 Premier League appearances for Luton Town in the 2023-24 season. He has faced the challenging task of helping a newly-promoted side establish themselves in the Premier League.
National team
Tim Krul's youth international career with the Netherlands was marked by steady progression through the various age groups. He first represented his country at the Under-17 level, where he quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper. His performances for the U17s were impressive, helping the team qualify for the 2005 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. Krul's commanding presence and shot-stopping abilities were already evident at this young age, earning him praise from coaches and observers alike.
Following his success with the U17s, Krul moved up to the Netherlands U19 squad. Here, he continued to showcase his talents, playing a key role in the team's campaigns in various international tournaments. His performances at this level further cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe. Krul's youth international career culminated with his inclusion in the Netherlands U21 team, where he competed for the starting position with other talented young goalkeepers. This experience at various youth levels provided Krul with valuable international exposure and helped prepare him for the challenges of senior international football.Tim Krul's senior international career with the Netherlands has been characterized by moments of brilliance and unique circumstances.
He made his debut for the senior national team on June 4, 2011, in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier against Brazil. Although initially serving as a backup to more established goalkeepers, Krul's reputation grew, particularly due to his penalty-saving abilities.The defining moment of Krul's international career came during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. In the quarter-final match against Costa Rica, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal made the unprecedented decision to substitute Krul on for the penalty shootout in the 120th minute, replacing starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
This tactical move paid off spectacularly, as Krul saved two penalties, helping the Netherlands advance to the semi-finals. This moment not only showcased Krul's mental strength and penalty-saving skills but also etched his name in World Cup history.Following the 2014 World Cup, Krul continued to be part of the Dutch national team setup, although often as a backup goalkeeper. He was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2016 qualification but missed out on the tournament itself due to injury. Krul's international appearances became less frequent in subsequent years, with the emergence of other talented Dutch goalkeepers.However, Krul's penalty-saving reputation once again came to the fore in 2021 when he was brought on as a substitute for the penalty shootout in a Euro 2020 match against Croatia.
Although the Netherlands ultimately lost the shootout, Krul's inclusion highlighted the enduring faith in his specific skillset. Throughout his international career, Krul has earned over a dozen caps for the Netherlands, serving as a reliable option in goal and a penalty specialist
Player’s style
Tim Krul's style of play is characterized by his commanding presence in the penalty area and excellent shot-stopping abilities. Standing at 6'4" (1.93m), Krul uses his height advantage effectively to dominate aerial situations and cover a large portion of the goal. He is known for his quick reflexes and agility, allowing him to make spectacular saves from close range and long-distance shots alike.
Krul's distribution skills are also noteworthy, with his ability to accurately kick or throw the ball to initiate counter-attacks. Perhaps his most famous attribute is his penalty-saving prowess, which has been demonstrated at both club and international levels. Krul's mental strength and ability to read opponents during penalty situations have made him a valuable asset in high-pressure scenarios.