Liverpool flying high under Kuyt

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez this week lavished praise on Dutch international striker Dirk Kuyt after some scintillating form from the player.

Kuyt has been seen as key performer in Liverpool’s recent change of fortunes with 17 points out of a possible 21 gained in recent weeks. 4 goals out of the last 5 games including both goals in the important victory against Tottenham and the only goal of the game in a man of the match performance in the Merseyside derby at the weekend, Kuyt has finally been showing some of the form this season we all know he is capable of.

The 29yr old striker come right winger endured a poor start to the season as calls were made for Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez’s head with the Reds seemingly staring at another trophy less season. Yet Liverpool have begun to silence their critics with Kuyt’s form the catalyst

Benitez told the clubs official website ‘I think everyone knows now what Kuyt can do for us. He has quality and is fantastic in every game, working really hard for the team. Attacking has sometimes been a problem for him but he is scoring more goals now. His team-mates know he is a very good player, as do the fans.’

What has never been in doubt is Kuyt’s work ethic, The Kop love his chasing down of every ball and fully committed performances, yet whilst Kuyt makes good runs, his goal tally does not exactly set the world alight. Yet without doubt the hardworking Dutchman’s best position is striker, the position that brought him to the attention of Europe’s elite after an exceptional 83 goals in 122 appearances for Dutch side Feyenoord. Upon his move to Liverpool he has been preferred on the right side of midfield which has stifled his goal scoring chances.

Kuyt’s match winning goal in the Merseyside derby was his 50th for the club, one which he is extremely proud of. ‘It’s a great feeling and I’m really happy to have scored 50 goals for the club, especially in a game like this,’ He told the clubs official website. ‘But I don’t think it mattered who scored, just that we got the win.’

Typical response from such a selfless player, many a man would have left the club in a huff considering the fact that Kuyt has played mostly out of position his whole Liverpool career for the good of the team. Kuyt would surely want a starting berth week in week out as striking partner of the insatiable Fernando Torres, yet accepts his role is another for the better of the team. Kuyt has hit form right when Liverpool have needed him, with Torres nearly back to fitness Liverpool look to be formidable prospect heading towards the close of the season. Wednesday’s fixture against Arsenal could be fireworks with Liverpool finally turning a corner and Arsenal an almost fatally wounded animal following their systematic dismantling by Chelsea and Manchester United.