Kuyt: Fight for places is on
Dirk Kuyt has lauded the work done by Liverpool in the transfer market this summer - even if it means he may have to work even harder for his place.
The Dutchman was the Reds' top scorer last term with 15 goals and is an integral part of Kenny Dalglish's team.
However, he had to settle for a place on the bench during our final warm-up game against Valencia on Saturday, with new boy Jordan Henderson operating on the right in the first half.
And Kuyt knows the fight for places is tougher now that it has been for some time.
"I am very happy with the signings we have made this summer and it was good for them to have their first game at Anfield," said Kuyt, who came off the bench to nab a late goal against the Spanish side.
"Everyone wants to play, but rivalry is something that in my opinion belongs to a club such as Liverpool. That's what should happen, you have to double up in every position.
"We want to progress and move forward and to do that you need more than 11 good players."
The other scorer in our 2-0 friendly win was Andy Carroll, whose half-year on Merseyside has been punctuated by injury.
Now with a full pre-season behind him, the England international is set to shine according to Kuyt.
"Andy is going to be top quality for us this season," said the 31-year-old.
"It was difficult for him when he arrived because he had an injury. Then he played a few games and did very well but got another injury.
Click on the play button below to watch Kuyt scramble home our second goal
"Now he's had a full pre-season and has scored in his last two games. Hopefully he'll get another one next weekend.
"Andy is very strong in the air and you can also play it into his feet. He's a top striker and I'm sure he will do well and score a lot goals for us."
Saturday brought a first clean sheet of pre-season for Liverpool, who previously conceded three goals in each of their fixtures.
Kuyt believes they can now face Sunderland in our opening game full of confidence.
"We are very satisfied with the result against a very good side," he said.
"We have worked hard in training and paid a lot of attention to our defensive shape. Defending starts from the front and I think today everyone could see we were a lot better.
"The organisation was good and it was good to keep a clean sheet.
"To beat a side like Valencia will give us a lot of confidence for next weekend. It's all about next week now and looking for the three points to start the season. We are ready."