United warned: Bellamy is better than ever
Published 22:31 09/02/12 By David Anderson
Never mind Luis Suarez – Dirk Kuyt claims Craig Bellamy is his Liverpool side’s dangerman going into their Saturday’showdown with Manchester United.
The spotlight will be on Suarez as he faces United for the first time since serving an eight-game ban for racially abusing the champions' Patrice Evra.
Although the Uruguayan striker destroyed United at Anfield 11 months ago, Kuyt has singled out Bellamy for praise and called the Welshman one of the signings of the season.
Bellamy, 32, has been Liverpool’s best player over the last couple of months and has scored seven times in his last 13 games.
His total of nine goals since joining on a free from Manchester City in the summer means he has already equalled his tally from his first spell at Anfield, five seasons ago.
“Craig has been unbelievable,” said Kuyt. “He looks even better now than he did the first time he was here - it’s not very often you can say that about someone who spends two spells at a club.
“Usually, the first time is better, but this time, with Craig in better shape, he knows exactly what he can do and he’s really professional in training every day, not just helping himself, but the whole of the squad.”
Bellamy’s form has been reflected in him winning the club’s player of the month award for the second time running.
The striker bagged four goals in January, including the clincher against City in the Carling Cup semis, which earned the Reds their first trip to Wembley since 1996.
“I’ve always had the view that a goal is a bonus for me,” said Bellamy. “They don’t alter how I go about my game.
“The aim for me is to try and win and to try and play as big a part as I can in the game. And if I’m able to score or create one, it’s a bonus.
“If goals come, great, but winning games is more important for me.
"To win the player award two months on the run means something to me. Do I think I’ll get a third? No, so I’m going to milk it this month!”
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