Dirk Kuyt backs Fernando Torres to play important role

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The Spain international has provided the assists for the Reds' last four goals; winning the penalty and free-kick against Manchester United which allowed Steven Gerrard to hit a double and then setting up Kuyt and the captain again in yesterday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland.

However, he has scored only once for Liverpool so far this season - the winner against West Brom - and has started to show signs of frustration on the pitch.

Reports regularly claim the 26-year-old is unhappy and is considering leaving Anfield, as happened in the summer, but Kuyt said Torres' quality would see him through.

"Everyone is expecting goals from Fernando but he offers a lot more. Against Sunderland he was responsible for setting up the two goals," said the Holland international, who returned to action against the Black Cats earlier than expected after a shoulder injury earlier this month.

"He is very important for the team even if he is not scoring goals. I'm sure his goals will come.

"His mood has never changed. If you are a striker, and the type of striker Fernando is, you want to be involved in goals.

"But everyone could see how happy he was to have set up two goals.

"When you are one of the world's best strikers everyone is watching you so if they get a moment to blame him they will.

"And if you are not winning games he is not happy, I am not happy and the team is not happy.

"But we all know next week he could score a hat-trick and then everything changes."