Seems like Dirk Kuyt is untouchable

[Bender]

Rafa Benitez claims Dirk Kuyt is every manager's dream as the Dutchman prepares to make his 100th Liverpool appearance.
The 28-year-old is set to become the 185th player to reach a century for the club against Standard Liege tonight.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He is a very, very good player for any team or squad. He's a fantastic professional who can score goals, and his workrate is amazing.

"He's also a fantastic teammate, so he's a player any manager would want in his squad. He is always the same in every game and training session – a very good professional and a nice boy."

Kuyt will this evening look to continue a knack of scoring in Europe which yielded seven goals in last season's Champions League.

Benitez doesn't believe the striker's prolificacy in Europe is any coincidence.

He explained: "In the Premier League the football is physical.

"But in Europe it is more tactical. He has good movement and this allows him to get into the box more easily."

[Rashid]

I don't get this, I really don't. Dirk is a good lad and a decent enough player but he shouldn't be untouchable - all this reminds of Heskey under Houllier.

[Assassin]

I don't get this, I really don't. Dirk is a good lad and a decent enough player but he shouldn't be untouchable - all this reminds of Heskey under Houllier.

Yet another cheap swipe at Rafa

[carheex]

Hopefully that's a sales pitch to boost his value and gain interest. Why else mention his 7 goals in europe last season? LFC fans already know this! That info is a reminder to anyone thinking of putting in a bid - it says he's very available but not on the cheap.

[BFG]

I don't get this, I really don't. Dirk is a good lad and a decent enough player but he shouldn't be untouchable - all this reminds of Heskey under Houllier.

Don't read too much into the headline mate. He says he's a fantastic professional who's very intelligent tactically and is capable of scoring goals, especially in Europe. Surely we all knew that anyway?

[MrsB]

Rafa Benitez claims Dirk Kuyt is every manager's dream …

Not every woman's though.

[Sadgeek]

Sorry Rashid, where does this article say he is untouchable?

Rafa merely points out that he is great for the squad/team and always puts in the effort, something that can't always be said for others. As such, I don't see why he shouldn't be rewarded with getting picked for the matches, especially when he's able to fit into several different positions

[BFG]

Not every woman's though.

You sure about that?

[Dirk07]

Don't read too much into the headline mate. He says he's a fantastic professional who's very intelligent tactically and is capable of scoring goals, especially in Europe. Surely we all knew that anyway?

I actually see this the other way, he's not untouchable, if he was why would rafa have to descibe and pinpoint what he brings to the team and more importantly the squad?

Kuyt is important for the attitude he brings, as we improve though this will not be enough to stay in the side

Attitude though is very, very important

[Bender]

Not every woman's though.

[RedReet]

Why is this a great surprise to anyone? I don’t understand why people keep thinking Dirk is gonna get dropped soon and Gerrard or Keane pushed out wide.

Kuyt is here to stay, get over it.

[Bender]

Why is this a great surprise to anyone? I don’t understand why people keep thinking Dirk is gonna get dropped soon and Gerrard or Keane pushed out wide.

Kuyt is here to stay, get over it.

[RedReet]

Not aimed at you Kop, just anyone who still thinks Kuyt is gonna get dropped from the team and moans every time he doesn’t regardless of how he plays or the result.

[dww]

Not every woman's though.

Sorry Rashid, where does this article say he is untouchable?

Rafa merely points out that he is great for the squad/team and always puts in the effort, something that can't always be said for others. As such, I don't see why he shouldn't be rewarded with getting picked for the matches, especially when he's able to fit into several different positions

I think he knows that Kuyt plays best when confident and is just offering him reassurance. I think we do generally need one hard working forward playing in the attacking quartet - however the others have to make use of (and be allowed to make use of) the freedom that can give them.

People have a tendency to read an awful lot into quotes to journalists. We saw a lot of positive things about Morientes and then at the end of the season Rafa got rid of him. In all but a few instances Rafa has tried to shield players until he has lost trust in them and it is a transfer window.

[FatTony]

Sorry Rashid, where does this article say he is untouchable?

Rafa merely points out that he is great for the squad/team and always puts in the effort, something that can't always be said for others. As such, I don't see why he shouldn't be rewarded with getting picked for the matches, especially when he's able to fit into several different positions

I'd say that the fact that Rafa's about to purchase Riera for the left is a good sign that he thinks Kuyt is holding his position on the right. IMO Babel has far more promise than Kuyt as a winger, so Rafa should be seeking a starting right sided winger to strengthen. Rafa see's Benny and Pennant as nothing more than squad players, Kuyt however plays every game.

Rafa really doesn't seem to have either much luck, any idea or not enough funds to purchase a proper winger. If he has got the financial backing to spend, then he seems to be of the idea that 3 mediocre wingers will be as good as one decent one.