Benitez made six changes for Saturday's win at Fratton Park.

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt believes Rafa Benitez was right to leave a number of star players on the bench for Saturday's 3-2 win at Portsmouth.

Kuyt and Fernando Torres both came on to score important second half goals to keep the Reds just two points behind Manchester United.

Kuyt told BBC Radio Merseyside: "A few of the players played against Chelsea and 120 minutes against Everton.

"It's the manager's choice and at the end of the day he was right."

The Dutchman believes coming from behind twice highlights the resilience in the side.

"We won the game, it was a crazy game but the most important thing was that we showed character," he added.

"I think there's still a lot to play for, and it's important to focus on our own games. It's good to stay close behind Manchester United."

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