Liverpool boss Benitez hails ‘fantastic’ Kuyt

(GSM) – Liverpool’s game against Hull will be extra special for Dirk Kuyt. The Dutch forward is set to make his 200th appearance for the Reds.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez saluted the Holland international, ahead of the last match of the season.

“For someone who has come from abroad and played a lot of games with the passion he does, it is a fantastic achievement,” Benitez told the club’s official website.

“It’s always really important, but especially for a foreign player.

“I think people will realise in the future how good he is for us. Not just in terms of his performances on the pitch, but also as a person and a professional.

“He is a very good example and a great character who is always very happy and positive. He has been a fantastic signing.”

Since moving to Anfield, Kuyt has been deployed in a series of different positions by Benitez – and the 29-year-old even offered to play at right-back during an FA Cup tie with Reading earlier this year.

However, it is a role on Liverpool’s right flank where the former Feyenoord player has excelled most.

“It’s not his best position – we know that he is a striker – but he has been very good for us playing on the right side,” added Benitez.

“He has done well, scored goals, and has also played as a second striker and a target man.

“He has been good in all of these positions, but we needed to use him more on the right and he has done really well.

“That is the right attitude you expect from your players when you need them.”