Crouch is proving his class, says Gerrard

STEVEN GERRARD slammed Peter Crouch’s critics as the giant hitman scored the goal that gave Liverpool their 10th successive Premiership victory and cemented their position in the top three.

The depth of the anger felt by Liverpool’s players over the treatment of the £7 million (€10m) striker was revealed after he continued his hot scoring streak to break West Brom’s commendable defiance at Anfield.

Skipper Gerrard said: “Peter was playing really well even when he wasn’t scoring, he was doing well for the team and I wonder where all the critics are now who were on his back.

“They are probably hiding or just shaking their heads as they watch him now, they are no doubt asking themselves why they said what they did. It was only a matter of time before he scored. But Peter has been superb for us since the first day he came.

“He’s definitely England quality. I know the England fans were on his back a little bit which was sad to hear. But he is proving to everyone that he is England class and I’m sure he has a bright international future.”

And Crouch is also looking towards the World Cup in Germany. He said: “The chance is there for every English striker now, and if I play well at club level, and the England manager sees virtually every game at some point, then I hope I can continue to be part of the England set-up.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is just delighted with Crouch’s turn of fortune, and expects more of the same in their next game at Bolton.

A trip to Bolton brings back bad memories for Benitez, who learned a thing or two about the physical aspects of the English game there in August 2004, when Bolton won 1-0.

Benitez said: “We feel we have learned how to cope with physical sides. We have Crouch and (Mohamed) Sissoko, players who can perform well in such games.

“Bolton are excellent at set pieces and we analyse every free-kick, goal kick, throw-in, to see what they do. We have (Sami) Hyypia, (Mohamed) Sissoko, (Jamie) Carragher and Crouch and it is easier to handle the ball in the air. They are a difficult side to play against. You must realise that if you win the second ball in defence you can launch a counter-attack, but if you lose it you will concede a goal.”

West Brom did their best to stop Crouch, but now his confidence, timing and running have improved, containing him is a major concern for any opponent.

Benitez said: “Crouch was playing well before he started scoring, now he is even better and with goals. We have more options and are more difficult for defenders with goals coming from all our strikers.

“And we have also seen Harry Kewell’s improvement. We were waiting for him to get fit and now he is fine we are seeing him produce qualities that we need down the left.

“It is important to keep winning to maintain confidence. The team is doing well and we just aim to keep doing the right things to keep taking the points.”