Tim Krul

Timothy Michael Krul (born 3 April 1988) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for club Luton Town and the Netherlands national team.

Krul has represented the Netherlands at every level since 2002.

Krul's career began at youth clubs RAS and ADO Den Haag before moving to Newcastle United in 2005.

His time at Newcastle was marked by milestones, including making his debut in the UEFA Cup, securing a clean sheet in his first game, and battling injuries.

He joined Premier League club Newcastle United in the summer of 2005 on a three-year deal after failing to sign professional terms.

ADO demanded a compensation fee and objected to the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC).

The DRC denied the claim and ADO took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Krul made his Newcastle debut in the UEFA Cup on 2 November 2006 against Palermo.

His debut was well-received; he displayed his shot-stopping abilities, saving efforts from Giuseppe Biava and David Di Michele and recording a clean sheet in the process.

He was injured during the warm-up prior to the second leg tie against Palermo and then aggravated that injury in the warm-up before a game against Watford.

He required two cartilage operations as a result, keeping him out of action for almost six months.

He signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle in 2007 and enjoyed loan spells at Falkirk and Carlisle United.

Krul's return to Newcastle saw him rise from backup to first-choice goalkeeper, a position he cemented with good performances, including his Premier League debut and crucial saves.

His abilities were recognized with awards and a new contract, affirming his key role at the club.

Krul's career continued with loans to Ajax and AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, providing him with first-team football as he recovered from injury.

CAS ruled in February 2007 in favour of ADO, ordering Newcastle to pay €220,000 as compensation for the transfer.

Following an injury to Newcastle's first-choice goalkeeper Shay Given, Krul appeared on the bench as back-up to second-choice Steve Harper.

He returned to action in April 2007.

On 13 June 2007, he signed a new four-year contract with Newcastle.

On 3 August 2007, Krul joined Scottish side Falkirk on loan, originally until 1 January 2008 though it was later extended until the end of the season after a number of impressive performances.

The following day he made his debut for Falkirk and kept a clean sheet as the team won 4–0 against Gretna.

Falkirk initially wanted to sign him on a permanent deal but it was refused by Newcastle.

In the two games immediately following his debut, he conceded four goals against Celtic and seven goals against Rangers at Ibrox.

In the same month, he was part of the Dutch Under-21 squad that won the European Championships and also qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Krul was sent off for the first time in his professional career on 2 January 2008 after reacting badly to an opponent's challenge.

Shortly afterwards, he suffered a dislocated shoulder during a Scottish Cup defeat against Aberdeen and missed the rest of the season.

On 21 November 2008, Krul joined Carlisle United on a one-month loan from Newcastle to replace Ben Alnwick, who had rejoined Tottenham Hotspur.

The loan deal was extended for a further month in December with Krul returning to Newcastle in January.

Krul returned to Newcastle as backup to first choice Steve Harper.

He made his senior league debut on 8 August 2009 in the opening Football League Championship game of the season away to West Bromwich Albion, coming on as a half time substitute for the injured Harper.

Following this match, The Guardian called him "an excellent reserve goalkeeper".

He later played the full Football League Cup match against Huddersfield Town on 26 August 2009, which Newcastle won 4–3.

Krul also started the 2–0 League Cup defeat to Peterborough.

Against Swansea City on 28 November, he again came on to replace the injured Steve Harper.

On 2 January, he played in the FA Cup Third Round tie against Plymouth Argyle, the game ending 0–0.

He made his debut for the full national team in July 2011 and was part of the team that came third at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

His performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter-final penalty shootout against Costa Rica highlighted his penalty-saving prowess.

Krul began his career at hometown club RAS and later local Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag.

In 2017, Krul joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan before signing permanently, ending his long association with Newcastle.

His career continued at Norwich City, where he achieved success, including being named the club's Player of the Season and winning the EFL Championship twice.