Reports are surfacing across the media, regarding the future of Liverpool’s Dutch star Dirk Kuyt. It appears that the 31-year-old may be growing tired of life at Anfield, with first team opportunities becoming increasingly rare. The arrivals of Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson have pushed the ex-Feyenoord man down King Kenny’s pecking order, in favour of fresh talent. However should the Scot stick by his forward, and offer him a new deal at the club?

Kuyt has been an ever present in the Liverpool set-up, following his arrival at the club six years ago, yet this season the Dutch international has failed to hold down a first-team berth, starting just 17 league matches. It is not just in the league where he has struggled to get game time, as the versatile attacker was snubbed during the Carling Cup final, starting from the bench.

“I want to play every game. It is very disappointing when I don't - like the Carling Cup final for instance.” Kuyt told the Mirror.

“From my point of view I'm feeling really well physically, I don't think I've ever felt stronger, and I'm ready to play games, I am ready to play every game of the season.

“For me it is all about trying to convince the manager he needs to pick me more than he does at the moment.”

Kuyt has established himself as a part of Liverpool’s backbone during his spell at the club, as his all action displays have endeared him to the Anfield faithful. With fans appreciating his work rate and commitment to the cause, any talk of him leaving has been met with confusion, as he is still considered to be a key cog in the Reds machine. However, King Kenny looks to be building a team for the future, and Kuyt’s advancing years may see him forced out of the door this summer with a move back to his homeland a genuine possibility.

However, letting the man from Hollland leave may be a mistake on the part of Dalglish, who needs experience within his ranks if his side are to compete for silverware and European qualification. Since his arrival from Feyenoord in 2006, Kuyt’s game has adapted greatly, with Rafa Benitez transforming the out-and-out striker into a winger, due to his inability to carry the scoring from which made him one of the hottest properties in the Eredivisie to England. Although opposition fans often taunt the Dutchman for a perceived lack of technical ability, Kuyt offers a never say die approach supporting his full-back for a solid defensive foundation.

Although Kenny may be looking at the future of the club, Kuyt is an important part of the present, offering a different set of skills to any other of Liverpool’s wide-men.

He may not be the most fashionable of players, but Kuyt’s commitment and work rate are second to none. At 31, his career may be entering its twilight years, yet that is no cause to consign the forward to the scrap-heap, as he still has many miles left in the tank. A new deal will benefit the club in the short term, with his experience being key in improving Liverpool’s form.

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