Dirk Kuyt believes Liverpool will be well on the way to a successful season if they beat Everton in Saturday's derby.

Liverpool are still unbeaten in all competitions, despite manager Rafael Benitez claiming they are not yet playing to their full potential.

Kuyt, who scored two penalties to win the corresponding away fixture last season, said: "If we win at Goodison Park we will have made a really good start to the season.

"We will have beaten Manchester United and Everton and enjoyed other good results home and away.

"A lot of positive things have happened so far this season so there is nothing gained by being negative.

"We wanted a good start to the season and so far we've had one. Now we have to keep going and keep winning games."

Kuyt has only scored once in the league since that 2-1 win at Everton last season, and has gone 10 months without a goal in the Premier League.

But the Holland international is determined to retain his positive approach, saying: "That victory was a real highlight of my career here so far.

"I had never taken two penalties in a game before, and certainly not in a big derby with one of them being in the last minute to win the game.

"You can look back now and talk about how important that moment was and how much pressure was on me, but at the time all I was focusing on was scoring the goal.

"It was an unbelievable game and for me to score the two goals was really special.

"These games are always different but I think the important thing is to enjoy them. You sometimes don't get too many opportunities in your career to play in these kind of matches so you should make the most of them.

"It's a really important game for us and we know what it means for the fans. We had two good results against Everton last season so hopefully we can do the same again."

With Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane also struggling for goals this season, Kuyt has the full support of his manager, as Benitez insists the Dutchman is a player for the major occasion.

Benitez said: "With Dirk, you know he can get goals.

"He proved last season there that he can handle the pressure in big games, and he can do that again.

"He has a habit of scoring important goals for us. Just look at his Champions League record.

"I am sure that if he continues to work as hard as he does, and his work-rate is amazing, then his rewards will come."