ASK any observer to pinpoint a weakness in Liverpool’s squad, and it won’t take long before conversation gravitates around a familiar failing.

In Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Rafael Benitez boasts perhaps the most devastating attack partnership in Europe.

But beyond the fearsome duo, the Spaniard does not appear to have the wealth of striking options available to many Premier League rivals.

However, in the past week Dirk Kuyt has posted a timely reminder of his natural predatory instincts.

With Gerrard operating in a deeper midfield role, Kuyt has filled the gap vacated by the skipper to good effect, following his goal in the 4-0 romp over Burnley last Saturday with the solitary strike that saw off Debrecen in Liverpool’s opening Champions League group game on Wednesday.

And when asked about possibly acting as cover for Torres or Gerrard, Kuyt says: “It could be important this season. When you speak of Torres and Gerrard, you’re talking the best players in our team.

“The likes of me, Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera and those in front want to be as helpful as possible scoring goals as well. We’re doing that at the moment so it is very positive.

“I try to fill that role (Gerrard’s), fill in that position, and I’m delighted to have come up with goals on Wednesday night and at the weekend. But this team has lots of quality throughout.

“For me it isn’t important where I play, as long as it works for the team. Stevie played the last two in midfield and I was in behind Fernando, and I am enjoying my time there as much as I did on the right.

“I’m just glad I could be important this season with a few goals and assists. Hopefully I can do a bit more too.”

Kuyt now has 12 European Cup goals for the Anfield outfit, moving him alongside Terry McDermott in third place in the club’s all-time scoring list for the competition and behind only Ian Rush (14) and Gerrard (28).

It was enough to edge Benitez’s side past Debrecen, the unheralded Hungarians unable to capitalise on a misfiring Liverpool performance.