Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has expressed his delight with Dirk Kuyt's form, insisting that the Dutchman is finally reaping the rewards for all his hard work.
Kuyt's constant inclusion in the Liverpool line-up became something of a running joke last season, as the Oranje forward's shots were more likely to end up in the Mersey than the back of the net.
The 27-year-old amassed a grand total of three goals in 32 Premier League appearances, and Reds fans were at a loss as to why Rafael Benitez chose him regularly ahead of Peter Crouch.
But since the back end of last term, Kuyt has enjoyed a remarkable revival. Since being shifted to the right flank to accommodate the Fernando Torres-Steven Gerrard partnership, he has gradually rediscovered not only his form but also his goalscoring touch.
Crucial strikes against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea helped Liverpool to within a whisker of reaching their third Champions League final in four years. And, though this season is barely a quarter gone, Kuyt has already bettered last term's league tally.
With Torres injured, the former Feyenoord man has rotated with Robbie Keane in the centre-forward role and has proved a valuable contributor with his strength and non-stop energy.
And Dalglish, the Glaswegian ex-forward widely regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player, is thrilled to see Kuyt shining at Anfield.
"Dirk has had a really good season so far and it's always pleasing when someone who works so hard gets a reward," he told the club's official website.
"He is a very genuine boy who will always give everything he has and the fans definitely recognise and appreciate the effort he puts in.
"He deserves all the success he gets because he works his socks off for this team."
Kuyt's constant inclusion in the Liverpool line-up became something of a running joke last season, as the Oranje forward's shots were more likely to end up in the Mersey than the back of the net.
The 27-year-old amassed a grand total of three goals in 32 Premier League appearances, and Reds fans were at a loss as to why Rafael Benitez chose him regularly ahead of Peter Crouch.
But since the back end of last term, Kuyt has enjoyed a remarkable revival. Since being shifted to the right flank to accommodate the Fernando Torres-Steven Gerrard partnership, he has gradually rediscovered not only his form but also his goalscoring touch.
Crucial strikes against Inter Milan, Arsenal and Chelsea helped Liverpool to within a whisker of reaching their third Champions League final in four years. And, though this season is barely a quarter gone, Kuyt has already bettered last term's league tally.
With Torres injured, the former Feyenoord man has rotated with Robbie Keane in the centre-forward role and has proved a valuable contributor with his strength and non-stop energy.
And Dalglish, the Glaswegian ex-forward widely regarded as Liverpool's greatest ever player, is thrilled to see Kuyt shining at Anfield.
"Dirk has had a really good season so far and it's always pleasing when someone who works so hard gets a reward," he told the club's official website.
"He is a very genuine boy who will always give everything he has and the fans definitely recognise and appreciate the effort he puts in.
"He deserves all the success he gets because he works his socks off for this team."
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