Dirk Kuyt hails family feeling that can bring title joy to Liverpool

With victories over Manchester United and Chelsea already in the bag this season there is a growing conviction among Liverpool supporters that this is their year.

But Kuyt believes that the fact the Liverpool players are refusing to look too far ahead and are taking nothing for granted is a key factor in their success so far this season.

"We are a family club, it's one of the first things you recognise when you arrive," he said.

"For example, Steven (Gerrard) is an absolute star on every pitch in the world he steps on to, but outside the pitch he's really down to earth.

"This is the best Liverpool team I've been involved in. Winning games like the Manchester United one is a massive step. We're showing we have the power and strength to win difficult games. We want to show we can win this league."

Kuyt has had to show his versatility in both a wide right position and as a striker, but he believes the ability to adapt to different roles is an important factor in becoming a success in English football.

"I did play in different roles in Holland," he told the club's website. "What's important is that, in English football, which is different, I'm now showing I can play every position up front.

"I'm not really a right-winger but I play the way I like to play it and sometimes, because Steven and (Fernando) Torres get a lot of attention from opponents, that gives me more space to score goals and make assists."

Meanwhile skipper Gerrard has revealed how his relationship with manager Benitez has blossomed. There were some doubts in the early days as the Spaniard sought to stamp his own mark on proceedings at Anfield.

But Gerrard has warmed to the meticulous preparations and thorough planning that Benitez puts in to every game.

"Rafa is obsessed with football 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Gerrard. "You have to take your hat off to him. He's one of the best managers there is.

"Rafa is the type that when you finish a game as man of the match having scored three goals, he won't even mention it. Instead, he'll mention that you never used your left foot at a certain point!

"But Rafa does it right. When I need a pat on the back I get it.

"I have had lots of 'well dones' from him, but when I need a kick up the backside I get it too.

"He can also make me laugh, but you don't see that side of him - or me - from the outside.

"We spend a lot of time together on the training ground, travelling to matches and he joins in. We've got a great team spirit here and my relationship with him is perfect."

The skipper celebrated 10 years in the Liverpool first-team last month, adding: "I love being a Liverpool player, being captain, living the dream. I wouldn't change it for the world. But sometimes there's that much at stake. Sometimes you want it so bad you can only really enjoy it when you get the right result."