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Kuyt puts his faith in Fernando
14/03/2008 09:54 - (SA)
England - Dirk Kuyt says Liverpool have come to expect Fernando Torres to score in every game as the striker looks to continue his goal-spree against Reading this weekend.
The Reds reached the last eight of the Champions League after Torres's 26th goal of the season secured a 1-0 midweek away-win against Inter Milan.
And Kuyt for one wants more of the same from the Spanish forward as Liverpool continue their battle with city rivals Everton for fourth place in the Premier League and the Champions League spot that goes with it.
But this weekend they face a Reading side that has started to climb away from the relegation zone with two successive wins.
Such has been Torres's form that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may well abandon his longstanding rotation policy and play Torres against the Royals here at Anfield on Saturday.
"Fernando is just special," Dutch forward Kuyt said. "It is amazing to score this many goals in his first season in England.
'Starting to happen'
"He is getting them in the league and in Europe, he is doing a great job for the team. He will only get better and better.
"Other teams now are very worried by him, but you could see with the way he put away his one chance of the night just how dangerous he is.
"The rest of the players seem to think he will score in every game, and the way it is going, that is starting to happen."
Meanwhile defender Alvaro Arbeloa has dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Spain with Real Madrid.
Arbeloa, who is also desperate to force his way into the Spain squad for the post-season European Championships, said: "Real Madrid aren't in my thoughts. Their doors are closed for me.
"Now I'm enjoying myself at Liverpool. At the moment I'm very happy in my team and I want to continue here for a long time.
"Is it very difficult but it is true that there is the possibility of going to the European Championships. If I play regularly at Liverpool I have a chance of being called up."
Reading's back-to-back wins have pulled them three points above the relegation zone and winger Stephen Hunt believes Steve Coppell's side will feel the benefit of this week's training break in Spain ahead of the tense run-in.
'We all watched'
The Irishman said: "We got a lot out of the trip and it went well. In terms of getting away together, it was a good thing. Everyone had a good week of training and is ready for Liverpool.
"We all watched their game against Inter Milan in the resort and it was a great result for them in the San Siro.
"We know it'll be tough to go there. Anfield is a great place to play football and the atmosphere there is always electric. I thoroughly enjoyed playing there last season and can't wait to get up there."
Despite their improved recent fortunes, Czech international Marek Matejovsky has risked irritating his teammates by describing the club's strikers as "selfish."
The midfielder said: "Not that I am surprised by it, but in certain moments I have been left rather annoyed by players trying to finish chances in a selfish manner.
"Strikers are trying to go for goal when they should be giving a pass but if they don't get given the ball then they shout to get it back.
"They want it all the time and if you don't give it to them, then they get angry," he added.
- AFP
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