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Benitez all praise for his young Dutchman

Rafael Benitez hailed goal hero Dirk Kuyt in Liverpool's 1-1 draw in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg at Arsenal.

Kuyt got on the end of a stunning surge and cross from captain Steven Gerrard to equalise, just minutes after Emmanuel Adebayor had headed Arsenal ahead in the opening period.

But Benitez was equally impressed with Kuyt's all-round display, the Dutchman making it six goals in European competition for him this season - out of 10 overall for the campaign.

Benitez said: "Kuyt was our man of the match - he ran and ran and ran.

"If we played another game straight afterwards he would still be running. He was always working and supporting."

Liverpool staged a sterling defensive display to protect their draw, with the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Benitez said: "In the second half we were forced back, because Arsenal were attacking and attacking.

"They are such a good team, so we had to defend anyway we could. We had to play deep.

"It was important for us to hit back straight after they scored. If you do not do that you end up being 2-0 down very soon - and it is over.

"Always it is important to score away in the Champions League, always. Now we have the advantage of playing at Anfield in front of our own fans.

"Then if we score it will always be hard for them. It is a good situation for us, but still difficult.

"(Arsenal manager) Arsene (Wenger) may say they are still favourites, but he knows it will be as difficult for them as it will be for us."

Speaking to Dirk Kuyt later on he insisted the referee was right not to award a penalty against him in Wednesday's 1-1 Champions League draw with Arsenal.

Kuyt equalised for the visitors after Emmanuel Adebayor had put Arsenal in front in the quarter-final first leg at Emirates Stadium.

However, the Dutch striker was fortunate not to concede a penalty in the second half when he appeared to pull back Alexsandr Hleb inside the area.

"It's just a split second you have to decide," said Kuyt.

"I didn't pull his shirt. It was never a penalty - but it was close."
By: Matthew
Published: 04/08/08


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