Kuyt: It's like he never left
Dirk Kuyt saluted the goalscoring return of Craig Bellamy and admitted: "It's like he's never been away."
The Wales international returned to the Liverpool line-up with a bang on Wednesday night when he capped a menacing overall outing with a clinical opening goal.
It was the forward's 10th strike for the Reds in total and Kuyt was surprised to learn that it was his first since an important header in a famous 2-1 win at Barcelona back in 2007.
Kuyt said: "It's good to have him back. Was his last goal for us in the Nou Camp? Really? That was a good goal!
"It's like how it was four years ago. It's like he's never been away. We signed here at the same time and used to live close to each other in the beginning.
"We drove up a couple of times to training. That was good. He's a top professional who wants to win every game and help his teammates.
"He definitely had a big role in the game against Brighton and I think he will have a big future for Liverpool if he keeps playing like this.
"He will be very important for us. Every player in the squad is important. We all need each other.
"Everyone wants to knock on the door and play games regularly. It's good to have competition in the squad. That's what you need if you want to challenge for trophies."
Click on the play button below to watch Bellamy's best moments v Brighton
Kuyt was also pleased to welcome skipper Steven Gerrard back into the squad and claimed it was great to see him smiling once again.
"I think it's the biggest boost for us," he said.
"The reaction of the crowd said it all. Everyone has waited a long time for him to come back and it's great to see him back.
"We've trained with him for two weeks and he was ready to get his first minutes. Hopefully he'll get ready soon for a full game now.
"I don't think we'll be waiting too long for him to do that though. He must be desperate to start."
Kuyt added: "I was injured just a few weeks last season and I know how I felt sitting on the side not playing.
"You can't help the team, you don't feel right. He must be desperate to play.
"Everyone saw the smile on his face when he came off. I think he enjoyed every minute of it.
"Everyone knows how important Stevie is for everyone on and off the football pitch. You want to see him out there."