David Fairclough told Sky Sports News HD that Luis Suarez was the inspiration for Liverpool on Sunday.
Kuyt gets the headlines but Uruguayan set the tone, says Fairclough
David Fairclough hailed Luis Suarez as the real hero of Liverpool's stunning win over Manchester United.
Dirk Kuyt may have done the damage with a hat-trick as Kenny Dalglish's side blew open the title race wide open but it was the Uruguayan who caught the eye on a
memorable afternoon at Anfield.
Saurez set up the first tap-in with a mazy dribble and Fairclough believes his workrate was the key to a high-tempo performance - and the sign of even more to come.
"It was a fantastic performance and he was the one that set the tone very early," he told
Sky Sports News HD.
"He was very lively and I don't think he stopped running all game; you don't see that much in the modern game.
"You see a lot of forwards walking round, taking a break, but he tracks back, he's lively as you like, he moves the ball quickly and he's awlays after it. His movement is really something to admire.
"He seems to have settled very quickly. It's difficult to hit the ground running when you come into a club at the time of year he did, so I think everyone's delighted with that early form.
"He showed straight away against Stoke that he was going to be something different, something special, but he showed yesterday and left us licking our lips and wondering just what might be."
Anfield also got its first glimpse of £35million man Andy Carroll as a second-half substitute and with him now fit, Kuyt amongst the goals and Suarez making such a good start to life in Liverpool, Fairclough believes there is "an awful lot of promise" on show.
Impact
The win moved Dalglish's side to within six points of the fourth and final Champions League spot.
They have lost just twice in 12 games - one of those the FA Cup defeat to United - since the Kop legend took over from Roy Hodgson and Fairclough says his old team-mate has turned the club around.
"I think Liverpool have been on an upward curve since Kenny arrived," he said.
"The club has move on a pace and I think the fan are now eager to see Kenny get the job full-time - and I think that would send out a message to the fans going forward.
"Once Kenny gets the opportunity to really make an impact and bring quality players to the club, then Liverpool fans will feel the only weay is up.
"Clearly they want to finish on a high and it's looking a little tough for us now to get in the top four - not giving up on that - but they have to go on a good run of wins now.
"We've said it once or twice this season after we've had good wins, but hopefully this is the springboard."
