Benitez hails “special” Dirk

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has labelled Dirk Kuyt as a “special” player for the club after the Dutch striker helped the Reds edge a 1-0 victory over Debrecen in the Champions League last night.

Kuyt’s goal, his third of the season, was his twelfth goal in European football for the Reds, equaling Terry McDermott’s record and now only two off Ian Rush’s all-time record of fourteen.

After another tireless performance from Kuyt, Benitez has sung the praises of the 29-year-old.

He said, “Dirk Kuyt is a special player for us. He is a very good striker, he can play on the right or in the middle and he is always a danger.

“His work ensures that. He is always around in the box to take advantage of situations where the keeper has blocked or parried a shot and the ball is loose.

“He is always aware, he sees situations as they develop and he is always ready for the ‘second ball’ when it drops in the box.

“He has done it before many times, he did it against Debrecen, and I know he will be showing that form in the future. He can be relied on to do that.”