(Bit repetitive now, but here's the Posts take on it)
Crouch arrival will end away daze - Alonso
Jul 25 2005
By Mike Mcgrath, Daily Post
XABI ALONSO believes Peter Crouch can be the answer to Liverpool's poor league form away from Anfield.
Rafael Benitez's side only won five Premiership games on the road last season but an improvement is expected in the next campaign following the club's magnificent Champions League triumph.
Crouch, the 6ft 7in striker, has been brought in from Southampton for an extra attacking dimension and to retain the ball in attacking positions, according to Alonso.
The 23-year-old playmaker said: "I think a lot of people think because of his height, he's only a target man but he's got a good touch and it's obvious he's got a lot of skill.
"Last season we were guilty of giving the ball away too often - particularly away from home - and maybe Crouch can help us keep possession a bit more further up the pitch."
Crouch made his first appearance for Liverpool during the 4-3 friendly win against Olympiakos in Liechtenstein, setting up the first goal for Luis Garcia.
"It was good, I really enjoyed and I felt it was okay," said Crouch, who could now feature against FBK Kaunas in the Champions League second qualifying round first leg tomorrow.
"The important business is on Tuesday, the lads have helped me settle and there's a lot more to come. If you're in the Champions League you expect top-quality competition and you need four great strikers."
Alonso added: "I thought Peter did very well. He's only been here with the rest of the squad for a couple of days but I thought he linked up really well with the players chosen to start the game.
"He might have scored a couple in the box when Djibril Cisse crossed the ball in from the right and he also had a good shot from outside the box.
"It was also his run into the box that helped set up the goal for Luis Garcia.
"When a good player joins the club, it gives everyone a lift and the more good players you have, the better you have to play to earn a place in the team. That's got to be a good thing for Liverpool Football Club."
Xabi Alonso admitted he does not know much about tomorrow's Lithuanian opponents, but he is confident of getting a positive result from the first leg.
"I don't personally know too much about Kaunas but the management have done their homework and we will be well prepared in time for Tuesday," he added.
"I expect it will be our hardest match of the summer so far as I've played against Lithuania with the Spanish national side and they're a good team."
