Crouch tows the line
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch insists he will not hammer down Rafael Benitez’s door if the Spaniard swings the axe at his expense again.
Having been on the bench for the previous four games, Crouch came in from the cold to score a sensational brace in Liverpool’s 3-2 Champions League win against Galatasaray.
However, his joy was tinged with the frustration that his goals may count for little in terms of safeguarding his place in the side.
Benitez’s contentious rotation policy has seen the Liverpool manager tinker with his starting line-up to a staggering extent in the early stages of the season.
Crouch, who has now netted 10 goals in 11 appearances this term for club and country, admitted he has no idea whether Benitez will keep him in the side for Saturday’s trip to Bolton.
“Although I scored two goals against Galatasaray there is no telling whether I will be playing in the next game,” said the 6ft 7in striker.
“I feel as though I’ve done well with the two goals but the manager likes to chop and change.
“That’s the way he works and it certainly keeps you on your toes – and he’s certainly kept me on my toes.
“But he gets results and you can’t go bashing down the door if he gets results. That’s frustrating because obviously as a footballer you want to be playing every game. But I’ll just keep working hard to improve and hopefully I’ll continue to get my chance.”
Crouch’s double against Galatasaray could not have sent out a more emphatic message to Benitez.
His first goal was a neat finish from close range but his second strike was a delightful overhead volley which rocketed into the net in front of the Kop.
“Nine times out of 10 you try shots like that and they go over the bar, but thankfully that one has gone in the back of the net,” said Crouch.
“Having been on the bench recently, it felt good to be playing again. And with the manager here, you’ve got to keep yourself ready because you know he’s going to throw you in at any time.
“You’ve got to keep sharp in training and when your chance comes you’ve got to take it.”
The crucial double cemented Crouch’s cult status at Anfield and gave Benitez another headache about which two forwards represent his best strike pairing.
In recent games, summer signings Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy have dovetailed effectively.
However Wales striker Bellamy has failed to score since opening his account for the club against Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League qualifier on August 9.
Benitez, therefore, recalled Crouch to the side alongside Kuyt against Galatasaray, and the move reaped rich dividends.
“I really enjoyed playing with Kuyt,” said Crouch.
“He’s a top player. He’s got great movement and drops deep or runs in behind.
“When you’re playing with intelligent players it’s easy to link up.”
Furthermore, Crouch feels his latest display of ruthlessness in front of goal provided further compelling evidence that he can score at any level.
Crouch, who has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for England, said: “I’ve scored goals at international level recently and in the Champions League as well, so I think people can see I can score goals at any level.
“I feel as confident as I’ve ever been. Every time I go out onto the pitch I always feel as though I’m going to score.
“I’m enjoying it and hopefully I can get more opportunities to show what I can do.”
