Is Dirk Kuyt Good or Bad For Liverpool?

Ever since arriving at Liverpool some two years ago, Dirk Kuyt has been the source of much debate. Much of this debate has centered round his goalscoring abilities which, for a striker, seem to be somewhat lacking.

But here I ask, is he good or bad for Liverpool? Should he hold down a regular place when there are better strikers and more natural wingers at the club?

Dirk Kuyt is a prime example of how goals aren't everything. Despite some fantastic figures with FC Utrecht and Feyenoord in Holland, Kuyt has not projected himself as a prolific goalscorer in England.

What he has done, however, is shown himself to be one of the best team players in England. His work-rate is second to none, and he has unbelievable stamina. He will keep running after lost causes all day long.

A combination of these two points has seen him move from the traditional strikers position, to out wide right. Here, he still puts in 110 percent for his team every game, but it takes the strain off his lack of goals.

But, in playing right wing, he is depriving other, more natural wingers, from playing. The likes of Jermaine Pennant who—while perhaps not being as good a player as Kuyt—is a better winger.

With the addition of Albert Riera to the squad, it also looks like either Riera or Ryan Babel will miss out due to Kuyt being on the wing.

The thing about Kuyt is although he always gives everything he has for the team, it rarely makes a difference. He doesn't have the pace of Pennant or Babel, nor the crossing ability, and doesn't have the finishing of Fernando Torres.

But he tends to make a difference when it really matters. For example, had it not been for him coming in from the right in the 118th minute against Standard Liege, there is a very real chance we wouldn't have been in the Champions League proper.

But does his few match-winning performances outweigh the rarity of that happening? For me, yes it does.

I think Kuyt is important to the Liverpool cause. Every team needs a player like him, who will chase everything and never give up. Dirk Kuyt is that one. Unfortunately, however, Robbie Keane is showing early signs of potentially becoming another one, which we don't need.

So is Dirk Kuyt good for Liverpool? It's a yes from me!

What do you think? Is Dirk Kuyt having a positive or negative effect on Liverpool, and can he help them win a Premier League title?