Rafa Needs to Drop Dirk Kuyt and Start Peter Crouch

Why does Rafa Benitez persist with Dirk Kuyt especially considering the Dutchman’s current form? It wasn’t just Kuyt’s performance today against Blackburn. Kuyt has been lacking form for several weeks now.

Kuyt was dreadful against Blackburn today wasting several clear-cut chances to put three points in the bag for Liverpool. The final score at Ewood Park was nil-nil.

While Kuyt’s shooting skills and confidence have been floundering, Peter Crouch remains on the bench except for late starts in matches now and again. Every time Crouch comes on the pitch, he makes a dramatic difference such as he did today when he came on in the 70th minute. He teams up better with Gerrard than Kuyt does. Plus Crouch had a header cleared off the goal line by David Bentley.

Benitez’s decision to keep faith in Kuyt is damaging Liverpool’s chances to close the gap against clubs like Arsenal and Man United. The sooner the Spaniard drops Kuyt and starts Crouch, the more likely it’ll be that Liverpool will regain their form.