RAFAEL BENITEZ has hailed Dirk Kuyt as Liverpool’s “Mr Duracell” and believes the Dutchman is enjoying the finest season of his Anfield career.

Kuyt has already equalled his best-ever tally of 14 goals for a campaign despite having been transformed from a striker into an attacking right-winger.

The 28-year-old, who arrived from Feyenoord in August 2006, has long been a favourite of both Benitez and supporters for his tireless non-stop efforts no matter where selected to play.

And the Anfield manager believes that work ethic and versatility have made Kuyt an integral part of Liverpool’s prolonged championship challenge.

“Mr Duracell is a good description for him because of the way he plays, he is always running and always on the go,” said Benitez.

“But when we signed him we knew he was this type of player – he had been doing that for years. This year maybe he is doing so much better because the team has been doing well too.

“He’s done really well creating things, but also scoring a lot of goals as well.

“Over my career I have had some very good players in terms of the running they do and the difference now is we have a squad with lots of those types.

“But it’s always good when you have someone like Dirk, who have the mentality to realise how important that is for the team.”

Kuyt has appeared in all but four of Liverpool’s 53 games this season with Benitez revealing the Dutchman is often one of the first names on his teamsheet.