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So long, Crouch
Published by Zac Lee Rigg on July 8, 2008
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Gangly? Yup. Slow as a glacier? You bet. Asked for a transfer away from Liverpool? Looks that way.
With this in mind, I don’t know why I feel for Peter Crouch so much. I think it’s because he’s one of the few who wore his heart on his sleeve. We’re surrounded by bland dolts of footballers who couldn’t give an interesting interview even if they were willing to reveal anything instead of giving the same pat answers (see the latest Fernando Torres interview for the exception that proves this rule). Crouch’s personality shone through it all. England as a country rallied around him as soon as they saw the robot dance. This was a guy who had accepted his goofiness, who understood that his height made him somewhat of a freak and object of derision. But he was willing to accept all of that in himself and still be chirpy and quirky, so we did too.
Crouch wasn’t the best player. His lack of pace in particular stunted his ability to hurt a defense. But he did all the little things with full heart. Slick on the ground, horrible to mark in the air, worked really hard in between the lines, and a decent finisher. Whenever we threw him on, he performed. Just by nature of his attributes, he caused problems for the other team, and gave his all to every performance. Being able to score a bicycle kick helped.
Moreover, this was someone who understood his role. He knew he wasn’t as good as Torres. He was just savoring every minute at the top level, one he never expected to reach and one he knew he wouldn’t stay at once he left this club. But Crouch also wanted to be playing. I get that. I hope he plays every minute of every game at Pompey. He deserves that.
So it’s time we say goodbye to the affable Crouch. It’s a tidy profit we’re making, though I’m not convinced our next backup will be as good as him. I really hope he gets from his career what he wants, and I hope he settles into his new club quickly.
I also hope he remembers his time at Liverpool as fondly as I do.
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Good Luck Crouchie Gol!
i think its really a loss for liverpool. he was one of my favourite players in anfield. as you described. he was there with so much heart. not many are… i will miss him here at liverpool but i think he made the right decision for himself. hopefully he will show everybody once again what he is capable of!