by stmichael » Tue Aug 14, 2007 1:49 pm
I think he has had a bit of a raw deal from Rafa. He has done the job when he has come back into the side, scored goals and still been left out again. I mean last year Crouch was 3rd choice to Kuyt and Bellamy, and still got more goals. He talked to Rafa and was reassured he is a big part of his plans. This season, it seems he'll be 3rd choice to Torres and Kuyt.
You have to admit, its a tough decision between Kuyt and Crouch. In the end I think its Kuyt's style of play that wins Rafa over...because in almost every other facet of the game, including statistics, Crouch edges out Kuyt. Yet Kuyt's style of play SEEMS to indicate a higher workrate, more shots on goal, and most importantly the pressure he puts on opposing defences to make sloppy clearances or turn over posession (which I think is very high on Rafa's list for striker must do's).
Although I have to say, if Crouch again plays 2nd fiddle to the Kuyt-Torres partnership, and Kuyt nets under 15 goals in another trophy-less season, I'll be criticising Rafa, not Kuyt.