Kewell is key to Crouch success - Benitez
Rafael Benitez believes he has the key to unlock Peter Crouch’s goal-scoring problem – Harry Kewell, the Australian who could make his first appearance of the season against Anderlecht on Wednesday.
Kewell, who has not played since the Champions League final last season, will travel with the squad to Brussels.
And Benitez believes the 27-year-old’s return could help Crouch, who has yet to score since signing from Southampton in the summer.
“Harry is feeling much better now,” Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
“He will definitely be travelling with us and could maybe play some part, we will have to assess his fitness before the game.
“If he doesn’t figure against Anderlecht then I am sure he will be back playing either at the weekend or the following midweek.
“His return will be a big boost for us. He is the kind of player who can beat players and get in crosses from the by-line from which the likes of Peter Crouch and Fernando Morientes can benefit.
“I see Harry as a key player to help Peter Crouch develop as our centre forward. We have different players with different qualities and abilities, but Harry is the main one who can get to the dead-ball line and put over the kind of crosses that Crouch likes.
“I know Harry can do this. When I arrived at Liverpool, I brought with me the memory of once seeing Harry play against Manchester United for Leeds at Old Trafford and he was fantastic.
“Leeds lost the game, but he gave Jaap Stam a lot of problems, and that is the Harry Kewell I want to see playing for Liverpool.”
Benitez pleaded for Liverpool fans to give Kewell time to find his feet again.
He added: “Harry will need some time to get back to his best, but this is an important season for him.
“He is disappointed with how it has gone for him during his time here, but he is a professional who knows what he is capable of and he wants to play. He has more confidence in his fitness now. Maybe in the past he didn’t have that kind of confidence, but he does now.”
Steven Gerrard will not travel to Brussels due to his shin injury but the midfielder could be back for Saturday’s away game at Fulham.
