Originally Posted by coop
I know what attributes Crouch brings to the team but he has one good game in five for me and unfortunatly today is one of the other four.
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Fucking hell, mate - if he even plays one game in five he's lucky. I'm made up with the way Rafa has turned things around since January and the new system is clearly the way forward. However, the way Rafa has treated Crouch for the last two seasons has been bizarre and self-defeating. I defy anyone to be treated that way and feel able or even be able to come into the side at the drop of a hat and produce your best game every time. I just don't see how people can lay so much blame at Crouchie's (not inconsiderable) feet. It was happening even in pre-season, which I thought was truly bizarre after his goals to games ration for '06-'07 pissed all over those of everyone else - including Dirk, the man who usurped him in the team.
In my opinion, Crouch should be a key member of our squad/team. Plan A is obviously the one that's reaped such reward of late. However, Plans B and C would both involve Crouch, if I had any say in the matter. He can play as a partner for Torres in a 4-4-2 or as a lone striker in a 4-5-1. However, all he gets off Rafa are scraps from the table and even Voronin has played a bigger role than the big fella this season - and that's despite an absence through injury.