Striker Dirk Kuyt believes summer signing Glen Johnson has provided Liverpool with a different emphasis this season.
The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth in the summer, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.
Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are skeptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.
"I think Glen has done really well," said Kuyt.
"He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.
"He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.
"He is still young and I think he will only get better and better."
Kuyt's fellow striker David Ngog is prepared to play a waiting game as he tries to force his way into the starting line-up.
Tuesday's Carling Cup match-winner at Leeds accepts he is behind Fernando Torres, Kuyt and probably even Andriy Voronin in the Anfield centre-forward pecking order.
However, he hopes scoring the only goal at Elland Road will have given manager Rafael Benitez another glimpse of his talents.
"I think I played okay. The intensity of the game made it difficult and I was very happy to score," said the 20-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008. "When you are a striker, scoring is always the best thing. That is our job and what we work for.
"Of course I know that I'm not going to play every game so when the coach gives me a chance, I want to do my best for the team and try to score.
"I know I have to be patient and all I can do is when I get a chance, try to take it and show the manager what I can do.
"I hope I have done that and shown the manager my qualities and that I can be another possibility in attack."
The England defender, who moved from Portsmouth in the summer, has probably been the Merseysiders' best player so far, scoring twice and providing a much-needed cutting edge from right-back.
Johnson, 25, may yet have to win over critics who are skeptical about his defensive strengths but there are no doubts over his ability as an attacking force.
"I think Glen has done really well," said Kuyt.
"He was a big signing for us but he has shown straight from the start that he is very important - both defensively and in attack.
"He has scored some very good goals and provided some assists. He is probably one of the best players in the team so far this season.
"He is still young and I think he will only get better and better."
Kuyt's fellow striker David Ngog is prepared to play a waiting game as he tries to force his way into the starting line-up.
Tuesday's Carling Cup match-winner at Leeds accepts he is behind Fernando Torres, Kuyt and probably even Andriy Voronin in the Anfield centre-forward pecking order.
However, he hopes scoring the only goal at Elland Road will have given manager Rafael Benitez another glimpse of his talents.
"I think I played okay. The intensity of the game made it difficult and I was very happy to score," said the 20-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Paris St Germain in the summer of 2008. "When you are a striker, scoring is always the best thing. That is our job and what we work for.
"Of course I know that I'm not going to play every game so when the coach gives me a chance, I want to do my best for the team and try to score.
"I know I have to be patient and all I can do is when I get a chance, try to take it and show the manager what I can do.
"I hope I have done that and shown the manager my qualities and that I can be another possibility in attack."
No comments:
Post a Comment