Kuyt....

[Neil Young]

Well they both run around like headless chickens, for a start.

Ha, but I think that's really not true. Kuyt runs around a lot but at least there's some sense to it even if not enough of it is done centrally and high up the pitch. A lot of his running is in the service of defending too, something that Baros simply didn't do of enough.

[Shaggy]

From Tony Barrett's match report in the Echo...

Liverpool dominated possession to such an extent, particularly in the second half, that it bordered on the surreal that they failed to claim all three points.

Had they been as clinical in front of goal as you would expect of a side boasting a £30m forward line they would have won, and won comfortably. But with Torres having a rare off day the responsibility fell to sidekick Dirk Kuyt and, apart from one late header which Richard Dunne somehow cleared off the line after Joe Hart had parried, the Dutchman failed to muster much in front of goal.

As usual, Kuyt's work rate was exceptional and his attitude was faultless. But strikers are judged on how many goals they score and so far this season he just hasn't scored enough.

Second season syndrome is one possible explanation, as is a crisis of confidence. Whatever the reason, it is clear that he is not carrying as much threat as he needs to and opposition defences know it.

That's why Micah Richards spent most of the game trying to kick Torres off the park while barely giving Kuyt as much as a second glance.

[Nicey]

The sad and awful truth is we all know this is true ... he is not a bad striker he just is not working out for us ... But thats what Liverpool FC does best ... take great strikers and turn them into **** wingers

[Hot Carl]

It is painful watching Kuyt play "up front" for Liverpool FC.

[blacky]

It's obvious Kuyt's from is poor and his confidence in shattered. The guy lost his Dad a few months ago and apparently they were extrmemely close. He has obviously not recovered from this. In saying that Rafa needs to see the woods for the trees here. If Kuyt aint doing the business then don't play him in these tough away games. We missed Crouch against Citeh and I have no doubt he would have started alongside Torres. I think with the options we have up front our best option is Benni playing behind Torres!!

[dww]

I think there is a danger of us not seeing the wood for the trees either. The fact is that it is not just Kuyt who isn't performing - the whole attack is not scoring enough in tight games (at present Torres also comes in for a share of criticism after the City and United games). We pick out Kuyt for criticism when really to a large degree I think it is a failure for our front four and Gerrard from midfield to combine well enough to beat these teams.

[paulcooper4]

I think there is a danger of us not seeing the wood for the trees either. The fact is that it is not just Kuyt who isn't performing - the who attack is not scoring enough in tight games (at present Torres also comes in for a share of criticism after the City and United games). We pick out Kuyt for criticism when really to a large degree I think it is a failure for our front four and Gerrard from midfield to combine well enough to beat these teams.

exactly how i see it mate

[Red_Polo]

The sad and awful truth is we all know this is true ... he is not a bad striker he just is not working out for us ... But thats what Liverpool FC does best ... take great strikers and turn them into **** wingers

Ray Kennedy?

[reddragon]

good to see a little more balance in the arguments now.

we all get frustrated after a game like yesterday's, but some, as i posted earlier, like to single out a scapegoat - and Dirk is it on here at least. It's nothing new, and I include match going Reds in that, but it doesn't make it right.

[anfieldanfield]

It is painful watching Kuyt play "up front" for Liverpool FC.

[Red_Polo]

I can't remember the last time I actually saw him play up front though. The role he's playing only really gets the most out of him in terms of workrate. He's not a top drawer player by anybody's estimation, but surely anyone can recognise he's got more to offer as a striker playing alongside someone rather than spending most of the time between the lines? It's baffling.

[Nic83]

Who thinks (seriously) that they personally would do a better job than Kuyt? I bet there's an awful lot and most are probably correct and that should be the end of this thread. It's getting tiring now.Some people are just lucky. kuyt is one of them. if he was born in England he'd be pulling pints now.

[paulcooper4]

Who thinks (seriously) that they personally would do a better job than Kuyt? I bet there's an awful lot and most are probably correct and that should be the end of this thread. It's getting tiring now.Some people are just lucky. kuyt is one of them. if he was born in England he'd be pulling pints now.

you talk complete and utter ****

[Nic83]

Howaya paul. happy new year.

[REDSCOUSER]

It's an odd one - Kuyt scored plenty of goals in Holland, obviously doesn't mean he'd score plenty here but it did prove he knew where the goals were. What's annoying and frustrating is the easy chances he is missing. No-one expects him to beat 2 or 3 players and curl the ball in like Torres can. What we do expect though is for him to bury the easier chances when they come.

He just aint doing that. His second touch is usually a 50/50 tackle and he doesn't even seem to be able to make simple passes at the moment.
He can't have become a bad player, we all know he can score goals.
It has to be a case of poor form/low confidence.

He needs a goal, then the goals will come. But he just can't get that goal.
It's a vicious circle

We all loved him when he first arrived, we just need to get behind him and see him through this period.
We did it for Crouch. We'd do it for Torres.

I agree in general but to be honest yesterday was so frustrating. I think I along with many others was guilty of scapegoating Kuyt and feel bad about it now. He deserves our support as unlike some who have worn the red shirt he always gives his all and plays with pride.

Well said lads sadly some people here call themselves supporters while all they do is destructive criticism.