Matt Crooks

Over the last few seasons we seem to have won games when we've been forced into playing players in certain, slightly unorthodox positions. Woodgate's season we were best when we had injuries which meant we had to play certain players, went t*ts up when everyone was back fit, sure we had something similar under Pulis. Now we've been forced into playing Crooks deeper and looks like we've again stumbled upon a solution by accident. He's been far and away our best player this season so far but he does present a problem of where to play him and in what formation. I'd keep him as a deeper midfielder and get quicker players in the more forward positions.
 
Best position for him in this team is in that CM role, he breaks up play and distributes it really well, but his engine allows him to get up further field as well, haven’t had someone like that in a long time.

Will always be a threat at set pieces as well. Love him me.
 
Yep, superb tonight. Made for that CM role, his energy was outstanding. Will be interesting when JLS is up to speed as I expect him to play in a very similar manner/position.

Are we sure he played higher up the pitch for Rotherham? I've always assumed from day 1 he was more suited to a deeper role....

Maybe Rotherham had noone else to do that job
 
What I like about him is that he gets across to his man so quickly and, just as you think he is going to recklessly stick a foot in to give away a free kick (as our midfield has had a habit of doing) instead he holds off and presses to hold up the opponent and then makes a much more intelligent intervention. Love it.
 
He really could excel in that role. Even to the point whereby he ends up doing it in the prem, whether that’s with us or not.

He has the physical attributes, strong enough to dominate in the tackle, tall enough to win the aerial battles. Mobile enough to cover the ground. Intelligent enough to read the game. Technical enough to control the ball in tight areas and pass the ball well. He will still chip in with goals from set pieces also.

Fellani / Soucek esq
 
He really could excel in that role. Even to the point whereby he ends up doing it in the prem, whether that’s with us or not.

He has the physical attributes, strong enough to dominate in the tackle, tall enough to win the aerial battles. Mobile enough to cover the ground. Intelligent enough to read the game. Technical enough to control the ball in tight areas and pass the ball well. He will still chip in with goals from set pieces also.

Fellani / Soucek esq
That silly thought had crossed my mind after our last game and more so after tonight. A genuine championship gem!!
 
I've been unconvinced by him playing in the no 10 role but maybe the holding role will suit him. He must have played there in the past, as according to the transfermarket site he's a DM/CM.
 
He really could excel in that role. Even to the point whereby he ends up doing it in the prem, whether that’s with us or not.

He has the physical attributes, strong enough to dominate in the tackle, tall enough to win the aerial battles. Mobile enough to cover the ground. Intelligent enough to read the game. Technical enough to control the ball in tight areas and pass the ball well. He will still chip in with goals from set pieces also.

Fellani / Soucek esq

Aye. There's something about having a bit of a giant in that position that just gives you something different from most teams. Probably a bit of a rarity as players with that height tend to become forwards or defenders where that aerial threat has more of an impact.

Imagine it can be a bit of a nightmare to play against a midfielder of that stature, particularly if they can play a bit. If you want to get really carried away a championship Patrick Vieira maybe?
 
Howson / Bailey / Clayton.... We have a habit of turning scoring CMs into holding one's 😂

Bailey was class before we got hold of him. I have to say that Crooks has slotted into the defensive role seamlessly. Also has plenty of ability to step up the pitch.

I'd keep him where he is. Especially if Payero keeps improving.
 
I was getting increasingly annoyed with Crooks' omnipresence at 10 where he, for me, wasn't creative enough, likely to grab an occasional goal but not creating chances for himself or anyone else. Seeing him as a defensive/holding midfielder has been a revelation. Definitely MOTM last night. Long may it continue.
 
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