Hard-working Kuyt the man to lead Liverpool out of trouble

There haven’t been many reasons for Liverpool fans to cheer this season. Even with their renowned sense of humour and ability to look on the bright side, Scousers from the red half of the city have been looking decidedly glum lately.

But while their season so far has been well below what is expected, last Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Spurs put Liverpool within one point of the Premier League top four. This is proof that a decent run from now until May can claim the Champions League place which is so important to the club.

Central to that 2-0 victory was Dirk Kuyt whose goals in each half gave Liverpool the three points. The first was a low drive from the edge of the area, the second came from the penalty spot. It capped another industrious performance from the former Feyenoord man.

The Dutchman is a popular figure with the Anfield faithful, mainly due to his professional attitude and phenomenal work rate. Most football fans hate players who don’t try, but that’s something you could never accuse Kuyt of.

Signed as a striker in a £10million deal four years ago his move to the right wing has curtailed his goal scoring instinct somewhat but his work rate more than makes up for that.

Beleaguered boss Rafa Benitez will have to do without the drive of Steven Gerrard and the finesse of Fernando Torres in the coming weeks, so he will have to find inspiration somewhere else.

In Kuyt he has a player who will refuse to hide in this current crisis and he should be held up as an example to follow as the reds seek to re-build their disastrous season.

With Everton, Arsenal and Man City all to come in a busy February Benitez could do with a few more players following Kuyt’s lead.

Of course, Liverpool are still chasing a trophy and the Europa League football odds suggest that the side will not end this season empty handed.

However, the trophy will be scant consolation if they do miss out on a Champions League place.