It might escape the radar at first sighting, but Liverpool's recent ascendency in form has not occured by pure coincidence with the return of a finally injury free Harry Kewell.
Though arguably it has only been two substitute appearances in the last week as well as a scoring comeback before that in the reserves, Kewell's entrance at Blackburn Rovers changed the attacking outlook for the Reds. In fact, his persistance in the final minutes led to a golden chance for Dirk Kuyt to almost steal a Liverpool win.
His natural inclination to take on players as well as scamper down the left touchline (or right where he actually prefers to play), brings width to a Liverpool team has been too centralised in recent months.
The reinstatement of Peter Crouch to the starting line up has also not come by chance with the return of Kewell. Harry's great crossing ability provides the service that players like Crouch thrive on. In fact, Ryan Babel almost completed his hattrick against Besiktas from a Kewell centre.
Crouch is underated by many of the footballing public, which unfortunately includes his manager this season. Rafa Benitez seems to use Crouch so one dimensionally ala Didier Drogba at Chelsea, when Peter's skills on the ground are actually his biggest asset.
So, fingers crossed, if Kewell stays fit, expect a higher goal scoring ratio for the Merseysiders as well as the more frequent inclusion of the dangly Crouch.
1 comment:
proven again - both coming on against Porto and changing the game.
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