Liverpool’s Dutch international Dirk Kuyt returned in the FTBL Top 23 of the Premier League after the Reds’ win over Everton, but how long can he remain in the elite group?

His immediate rival in the ranking, Tottenham Hotspur’s prolific scorer Jermain Defoe trails by approximately 12 rating points, and he will face a plank of just 3.46 rating points to beat in the coming Premier League game against Everton. Kuyt’s plank against Blackburn Rovers will be just a little higher at 8 points.

To overtake Kuyt, Defoe needs a big win, but Spurs have managed just one win in their last 5 games against Everton. Meanwhile, Blackburn are a very “convenient” opponent for Liverpool; the Reds won the last three games, scoring 10 goals. Therefore, Kuyt appears more likely to retain in the elite group at least until December 9, when Liverpool come up against Fiorentina in the Champions League.