[lfc-news] Double act that could be dynamic

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Double act that could be dynamic Sep 13 2005
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

MOST pundits were surprised when Rafa Benitez chose to pair Peter Crouch
and Djibril Cisse up front on Saturday.

But once Rafa had declared he intended to start with Crouch, I think he had
to select Cisse as well.

After everything that has gone on with Cisse over the last month, leaving
him out on Saturday may have damaged his confidence irreparably.

There were signs, especially in the second half, that the two could forge
an effective partnership.

But now I'd like to see Rafa persevere with the partnership and give them
the chance to prove they can be a dynamic double act.

Rafa was almost saying to Cisse on Saturday: 'Right, you've asked for the
chance to play up front off a target man, here you are. Let's see what you
can do.'

Once or twice in the first half he didn't read Crouch's flicks, but when he
did in the second half Liverpool almost scored.

When you are trying to forge a striking partnership, it doesn't come
overnight. You have to work at it, not just in matches, but in training
sessions, five-a-side games . . . every chance you get.

People talk about my part-nership with Kenny Dalglish being telepathic at
times, but while it might have looked like second nature, we worked very,
very hard at it.

It could be more than 10 games in succession before Crouch and Cisse gel
properly, but it won't happen at all unless they are given the chance to
work together.

The alternative is to go 4-5-1, maybe using Cisse wide on the right, but
that would see him looking to supply Crouch with crosses rather than
working alongside him trying to feed off knock-downs and flick-ons.

I thought Crouch enjoyed a solid debut at Spurs on Saturday. To all intents
and purposes he did score - it won't be very often this season that a
player will have a 'goal' disallowed because the ball has swung out of play
and back in again . . . yet we witnessed it twice at White Hart Lane!

It would have been a wonderful confidence boost for him to have celebrated
a goal on his league debut.

As it was, there was still plenty to admire. I just hope he gets the
opportunity to show off his talents alongside Djibril Cisse

Crunch month is key to Reds' prospects

I HAVEN'T heard much about Real Betis in recent years - but the very fact
that they finished fourth in La Liga indicates they will be very stern
opposition tonight.

Whenever you draw any team from Spain, Italy or Germany, you know you are
in for a tough game - as Everton discovered in their Champions League qualifier

This could be a big match tonight. It's important we get off to a good
start in the group, because the last thing we want is to have to go to
Stamford Bridge on December 6 needing a result to qualify.

The next month could be crucial to Liverpool's prospects for the season.

The draws at Middlesbrough and Tottenham are undeniably good results - as
long as we win our home games.

After Real Betis tonight we then have Manchester United, Chelsea and
Chelsea again at Anfield - all sandwiched around a trip to Birmingham.

They are all very tough matches, but I believe we are better equipped this
season to deal with the top three sides.

The visits of Manchester United and Chelsea to Anfield last season were
major disappointments - in the Premiership at any rate! - but better
results this time round could point towards real progress being made.

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