Crooks: what is his position?

E

equaliser

Well-known member
Chances, assists, goals, you can't really argue with Crooks. He always has an influence - almost uncannily so. He's been tried in a few positions and whilst he's far from bad in any of them, he's made none his own. He's a bit ponderous as a midfield dynamo, not quite mobile enough as a forward, but too dangerous to waste in defence, although he looks like he should be a centre-half...

Maybe his position is sub!
 
A very important player. He brings goals / assists and a physicality that others don't.

I'm not sure Carrick sees him in the CM. Infact he clearly doesn't.

He's suprised me as a CF. That's two terrific assists when leading the line. The ball today was superb and shouldn't be under played.

I think his role in the team has clearly changed. He's no longer nailed on. I imagine in time he could get frustrated with that. Yet he's probably one of the first 'go to' subs at Carricks disposal. To be fair with Muniz out and Watmore / Hoppe moved on he's going to get plenty of game time.
 
equaliser said:
Chances, assists, goals, you can't really argue with Crooks. He always has an influence - almost uncannily so. He's been tried in a few positions and whilst he's far from bad in any of them, he's made none his own. He's a bit ponderous as a midfield dynamo, not quite mobile enough as a forward, but too dangerous to waste in defence, although he looks like he should be a centre-half...

Maybe his position is sub!
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His position last season is his best, the right of a midfield three. Could be decent as an unorthodox no10 arriving in the box also.
You've got to hand it to him though, he manages to impact games wherever he plays
 
I think football manager/FIFA have convinced so many that players have to have a natural position.

I think it is much more about attributes, tactics and coaching.

Crooks attributes are strength, movement, and finishing while also having an ok touch and pass.

I honestly think his attributes are more suited to playing up front because his lack of speed is more hidden. In midfield he is often just off the pace leading to a lot of fouls/loss of possession.

But... I would not want him to be our first choice as he is not a threat in behind, the defence can push up and that shrinks the pitch.

Great squad player for me and a good alternative option
 
Ravshoutsatbeck said:
I think football manager/FIFA have convinced so many that players have to have a natural position.

I think it is much more about attributes, tactics and coaching.

Crooks attributes are strength, movement, and finishing while also having an ok touch and pass.

I honestly think his attributes are more suited to playing up front because his lack of speed is more hidden. In midfield he is often just off the pace leading to a lot of fouls/loss of possession.

But... I would not want him to be our first choice as he is not a threat in behind, the defence can push up and that shrinks the pitch.

Great squad player for me and a good alternative option
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I can't agree with that, lack of speed is his main limitation up front, it gets exposed more not less (not that he's actually that slow, just not fast). That's not what leads to yellow cards though, he just makes bad decisions at times when he could stand off. I think he's a technically much better player than he gets credit for though
 
I knew when he got the ball out wide that at very least a good goal scoring opportunity would come from it, he has such awareness and intelligence in those kind of positions, he may not be first choice but he is my favourite player.
 
I thought perhaps he should have been on sooner as he clearly has that knack for the immaculate pass, shot or header. He’s been used sparingly for whatever reason— maybe he’s still got some sort of issue going on with his groin? Nonetheless when he can come off the bench and perform like he’s never missed a beat it really is amazing— not too mention he seems an incredible guy off the field.
 
wilkos_perm said:
I can't agree with that, lack of speed is his main limitation up front, it gets exposed more not less (not that he's actually that slow, just not fast). That's not what leads to yellow cards though, he just makes bad decisions at times when he could stand off. I think he's a technically much better player than he gets credit for though
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Can agree to disagree there.

Just always felt he was one step slow and therefore stretching in midfield that led to a lot of his fouls, but could see the argument for it being his decision making.

I think he would make a good (obviously not typical) 10 in a team that plays out and out wingers - so his job is just to play it simple then get in the box.
 
exeterboro said:
I knew when he got the ball out wide that at very least a good goal scoring opportunity would come from it, he has such awareness and intelligence in those kind of positions, he may not be first choice but he is my favourite player.
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Football can change very quick, suspensions, injuries, drop in form, Crooks, Fry and Balaser will be chomping at the bit to get back in the teqm and stay, really health competition for places
 
Physically couldn't be more different but has a similar impact to that which Solskjaer had at Man Utd.
 
Ravshoutsatbeck said:
Can agree to disagree there.

Just always felt he was one step slow and therefore stretching in midfield that led to a lot of his fouls, but could see the argument for it being his decision making.

I think he would make a good (obviously not typical) 10 in a team that plays out and out wingers - so his job is just to play it simple then get in the box.
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Yep a bit like Felliani used to do for Everton as a 10. I think there was an element of what you were saying but I suspect it was the hernia issue
 
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