Kuyt hails Downing addition

The Dutchman was impressed with the England winger's form at Aston Villa last season and feels his signing illustrates that the Reds are piecing together a squad with real strength-in-depth.

Kuyt said: "I think he will be a great signing. He did very well for Aston Villa last season and I believe he was their best player.

"I already knew of him when he was playing for Middlesbrough. He's a very good winger and a player in the team who could be very helpful for us.

"When I arrived at Liverpool Football Club almost five or six years ago, we had two very good players who could play in the same position. I've just got a feeling we're getting back there. At a club like Liverpool, you have to have every position doubled up, and it looks like more or less in every position we have at least two players.

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"There is more rivalry, there is more competition but that is what makes you better and gets the best out of you. I'm ready to have this competition with the players but we also have to stick together and make it one good team to challenge with the best."

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Kuyt is currently in Asia with his teammates preparing for the season opener against Sunderland on August 13.

He added: "It (this pre-season) has been completely different to last year when I came back from the World Cup, had a short pre-season then went straight back into the league.

"The start of pre-season last year was very strange. We didn't know where the club was going with the owners but since they have gone, there has been a lot of change.

"It all looks very positive, that is what I want, what the players want, we want to move forward. We want to challenge and I think we are getting there."

Kuyt ended last season in fine form and netted a flurry of goals as Kenny Dalglish's return to the helm resulted in an upturn in fortunes.

Indeed, optimism has increased to such an extent within the ranks that the 30-year-old has already set his sights on securing Champions League football next season.

"You want to see the club moving forward and that is exactly what happened after the first half of the season," he said.

"Even to come from a very tough position to finish in sixth position was very promising. But to have the feeling that everyone at the club was working very, very hard to get it back where it belongs (was important).

"But even to finish sixth did not leave us satisfied. We at least have to be challenging for Champions League football and most of the lads have played in the competition and want to get back there.

"I think that has to be our aim. It is difficult because not only do we have the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea but now we have Manchester City and Spurs.

"It will be a hard challenge but the least we have to aim for is Champions League football."

He added: "It was very good to rest, very good to be with friends and family and just to recover properly. I feel refreshed and had a couple of good sessions at Melwood before I came to Asia. I'm excited for the season."