Kuyt grabbed his 50th goal for Liverpool to hand the Anfield club maximum points and move them up to fourth in the table, a point ahead of Tottenham who drew with Aston Villa on Saturday.

It was Kuyt’s fourth goal in as many games, a strike rate that is helping fill the void left in the absence of Fernando Torres.

“I think everyone knows now what Kuyt can do for us,” said Benitez.

“He’s not a player that is very skilful; not in the way we would normally understand of a skilful player with that kind of ability.

“But he has quality and is fantastic in every game, working really hard for the team.

“He can do different jobs. Today, we knew that Leighton Baines has been having a very good season so Kuyt made sure he worked hard keeping him busy.

“Attacking has sometimes been a problem for him but he is scoring more goals now. His team-mates know he is a very good player, as do the fans.

“Fifty goals for any player is a good achievement, especially in the Premier League. He has played as a right and left winger, striker and second striker. He is very important for us.”

Liverpool face Arsenal on Wednesday, who are five points ahead of Liverpool.

An away win at The Emirates would put the pressure on Arsene Wenger’s team however, and could even put Liverpool in the frame for a third placed finish.

Benitez refused to get carried away though.

“We have to enjoy the next two or three days and then think about Arsenal,” he said.

“You never know, but it’s always the same, one game at a time. If we can keep winning we will be closer but it’s a long race. To guarantee fourth place is not easy.

“The main thing now is to try and get three points in every game.”