Kuyt hails Aquilani debut

Dirk Kuyt today reflected on a bittersweet first experience as Liverpool captain - as he hailed the launch of Alberto Aquilani's English career.

With Steven Gerrard injured and Jamie Carragher rested, Kuyt took charge of the skipper's armband for last night's Carling Cup fourth round clash at Arsenal.
 
But despite his best efforts, the Dutchman was powerless to prevent the Reds slipping to their fifth defeat in six matches, this time a 2-1 reverse at the Emirates.
 
Kuyt, though, believes Liverpool were unlucky not to get more from a performance that saw a spectacular Emiliano Insua goal cancel out Fran Merida's opener.
 
Nicklas Bendtner's second half strike was the difference between the two sides but Kuyt feels Liverpool should have been awarded a late penalty when Philippe Senderos handled.
 
"We are really disappointed because we had a few chances to at least force the game to extra time and we worked very hard for it," said Kuyt.
 
"In my opinion, I believe we should (have had a penalty). I thought he (Senderos) put his hands out to stop the ball and not protect his face.
 
"But it was just one of those things. We put a lot of effort into it, we tried to win the game and we had the belief that we could win it. 
 
"They scored two great goals but we didn't give up. We created enough chances to at least equalise but that was the problem."
 
As frustrated as he was with the final score, there was no mistaking that Kuyt was honoured to have been selected by Rafa Benitez to lead the side out.
 
"I'm proud to be the captain of a Liverpool team," said Kuyt. "The only problem was that we didn't win and that's a big disappointment.
 
"Everyone knows that Stevie and Carra are our two captains but with them not being here, it was really nice to be captain."
 
The night was not all doom and gloom for the Reds, however, as the sight of Aquilani emerging for the last 13 minutes was nosily acknowledged by the visiting fans.
 
Hopes are high that Aquilani, who has been sidelined with an ankle problem, will end up having an influence similar to Xabi Alonso in the future.
 
Kuyt is loathe to put any pressure on Aquilani's shoulders but he is optimistic that the Italian midfielder - who played one glorious pass to Philipp Degen - will prove to be a hit.
 
"We have known Albert for a while and I'm very happy for him that he has made his debut," said Kuyt.
 
"Hopefully we will see a lot more from him now. He's a nice lad on and off the pitch and it's good for him and us that he has finally played."
 
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