Dirk Kuyt has been hailed as Liverpool’s unsung hero after helping sweep aside Blackburn Rovers.
With injury concerns consigning Steven Gerrard to the bench, Kuyt partnered Fernando Torres in attack for Saturday’s visit of the Lancastrians.
And while the Dutchman was not among the goalscorers in a 4-0 romp for the Anfield outfit, his performance earned the plaudits of the opposition.
“Torres is such a big threat with his running in behind you,” said Blackburn midfielder David Dunn. “Obviously as a team we knew that and dropped deeper. He makes those runs and is such a handful.
“But Dirk Kuyt, in my opinion, is just as important. He is such an unselfish player and gives just as much to the side. He plays a number of positions, works his socks off for the team and never stops running.
“He's very, very good, but maybe doesn't always get as much credit as he deserves.”
Torres set Liverpool on their way with two goals before the interval, the first of which was a genuine goal of the season contender.
The Spaniard has started only 15 of 32 league games this season but has now netted 11 goals in that time.
And while Dunn is convinced the availability of Torres for longer periods would have enhanced Liverpool’s title chances, he believes every challenger is affected by injuries to key members.
“I'm sure they would have got a lot more points if he hadn't been injured for parts of the season, without a shadow of a doubt,” he added. “He's a top, top player.
“I know what people will say, but I'm not sure it would have made a difference in where the title ends up though. United have had their injury problems, likewise Chelsea, and over the season I think that balances out. The best team will win the league over the whole course of things.”
Dunn added: “We set our stall out, but weren't great. Take nothing away from Liverpool, they're a top side, and that's why they are where they are. But it was disappointing. “
With injury concerns consigning Steven Gerrard to the bench, Kuyt partnered Fernando Torres in attack for Saturday’s visit of the Lancastrians.
And while the Dutchman was not among the goalscorers in a 4-0 romp for the Anfield outfit, his performance earned the plaudits of the opposition.
“Torres is such a big threat with his running in behind you,” said Blackburn midfielder David Dunn. “Obviously as a team we knew that and dropped deeper. He makes those runs and is such a handful.
“But Dirk Kuyt, in my opinion, is just as important. He is such an unselfish player and gives just as much to the side. He plays a number of positions, works his socks off for the team and never stops running.
“He's very, very good, but maybe doesn't always get as much credit as he deserves.”
Torres set Liverpool on their way with two goals before the interval, the first of which was a genuine goal of the season contender.
The Spaniard has started only 15 of 32 league games this season but has now netted 11 goals in that time.
And while Dunn is convinced the availability of Torres for longer periods would have enhanced Liverpool’s title chances, he believes every challenger is affected by injuries to key members.
“I'm sure they would have got a lot more points if he hadn't been injured for parts of the season, without a shadow of a doubt,” he added. “He's a top, top player.
“I know what people will say, but I'm not sure it would have made a difference in where the title ends up though. United have had their injury problems, likewise Chelsea, and over the season I think that balances out. The best team will win the league over the whole course of things.”
Dunn added: “We set our stall out, but weren't great. Take nothing away from Liverpool, they're a top side, and that's why they are where they are. But it was disappointing. “
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