Kuyt can fill Torres' Boots

[Rhys]

Rafa Benitez is backing Dirk Kuyt to fill Fernando Torres' boots over the coming weeks.
Liverpool will be without their top scorer for 10 days due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty this week.

Of immediate concern is Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge, a venue the Reds rarely leave with anything at the best of times.

Benitez, though, is hopeful Kuyt – who by his own admission has struggled in front of goal of late – can step up to the plate.

"He has scored some goals," said the Liverpool boss. "If you look at his record in Holland he always scored a lot of goals, but here he is doing a good job for the team."

Holland coach Marco van Basten left Kuyt out of his squad for only the second time this week.

The striker's response, according to Benitez, has been entirely as expected.

The Spaniard said: "He has been training really well for us and that is the kind of reaction you want from a player.

"Kuyt is a fantastic professional."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N158767080208-1152.htm

do we think this mens he will be starting against chelsea, if rafa still has confidence in him then i can see crouch and kuyt up fornt on sunday.

[Pablo]

Looks like he is nailed on for a start on Sunday

[Howard_lfc]

Looks like he is nailed on for a start on Sunday

not wrong there.

I have a feeling of dread washing over me................

[Craig_H]

To be fair, with Torres out, the options are limited.

If Kuyt starts and Crouch DOESNT though, then that WOULD be ludicrous.

[Sir Bob]

The only way Kuyt can fill torres' boots is if they've got the same size feet.

[BFG]

Dirk for a bridge hattrick.

We can still dream right?

[Van Halen]

Dirk's a great guy, but Torres he is not by a long way. I hope that he can score a few at the Bridge. He hit the bar last season when it looked easier to score.

[Sir Bob]

To be fair, with Torres out, the options are limited.

If Kuyt starts and Crouch DOESNT though, then that WOULD be ludicrous.

I think Kuyt will start on his own up front and we'll play 5 across the middle with Benny given licence to support Dirk.

[Shaggy]

FFS.

I'd go with:

Reina

Arbeloa (if fit)/Finnan
Carra
Skrtel
Riise (this just shows how disillusioned I am with Aurelio )

Pennant
Mascherano
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun

Crouch

[dww]

I like the look of that team Shaggy but then last season Crouch and Kuyt worked well together. So maybe that would be a better option.

I agree with DJS is Crouch is dropped to accomodate Kuyt that would seem a terrible decision from Rafa. Especially as none of the likely starting midfielders have been scoring that regularly of late.

[carrsim]

FFS.

I'd go with:

Reina

Arbeloa (if fit)/Finnan
Carra
Skrtel
Riise (this just shows how disillusioned I am with Aurelio )

Pennant
Mascherano
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun

Crouch

aurelio is injured anyway i think mate

the rest i'd go with- maybe babel instead of pennant

[Pablo]

FFS.

I'd go with:

Reina

Arbeloa (if fit)/Finnan
Carra
Skrtel
Riise (this just shows how disillusioned I am with Aurelio )

Pennant
Mascherano
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun

Crouch

I would agree with that except if Arbeloa is fit I would play him at LB in place of Riise. Match him up against the pace of Wright-Phillips.

Anyway, it wont be the team as Deadly Dirk will be on the team sheet instead of Crouch.

[Guest]

Yeah, Benny or Stevie should be playing behind Crouch.

[Shaggy]

I just think flooding the midfield is probably the best way to go...try and pinch something by getting Yossi, Gerrard and Pennant around Crouch. Similar to how England set up in the 2nd half in midweek.

On top of that, Kuyt has done absolutely nothing to warrant a start against such tough opposition.

[Jack D Rips]

FFS.

I'd go with:

Reina

Arbeloa (if fit)/Finnan
Carra
Skrtel
Riise (this just shows how disillusioned I am with Aurelio )
Pennant
Mascherano
Lucas
Gerrard
Benayoun

Crouch

Converted

If Rafa plays Kuyt then it is final proof that he has lost the plot