Matt Crooks

Craggsy2

Craggsy2

Well-known member
Since it is not looking likely that we will be signing a striker before Saturday what do people think about playing Matt Crooks in a Striker role?
Not sure if it has been tried in training or he has played here before but I think he has the attributes to play in a central striker role with much more physical presence than Watmore. He proved last year that he has an eye for goal.
 
If we wanted a striker with more physical presence we'd have kept Uche.
None of the strikers we're linked with (Armstrong, Gyokores, Forss, Muniz, Semenyo, etc...) are known for their physical presence either, so it's probably not how CW wants to play...

They're all more mobile strikers who are good with the ball on the ground. They're all quick and can turn defenders, or sit on the shoulder for a through ball...
I like Crooks, but he doesn't have those attributes - and he'd be a bigger loss to his actual position than he would be a gain up front.
 
Agree with the above. In fact, my first thought was as you said. A bigger loss to his actual position to what he might bring up front.
 
not a chance, striker is such a specialist position, as said Wilder wants mobile quick strikers with a good work rate, just because a player scores goals from midfield it doesn't mean they'll transfer it playing as as striker, early last season especially at Fulham, Warnock moved Crooks around, right side of midfield and then late on a second striker, he looked like a fish out of water
 
We’ve been desperate for goals from midfield as much as up front so probably better to let those who know their position to stay there
 
I think Josh should be given the chance to start for the time being. He has a physical presence that Crooks may bring but is also a natural striker. Knowing he has maybe 5 or 6 games will give him a chance to get in the groove and stake his claim.

Also agree that Crooks is better off staying in midfield to not upset the balance we have there and his link-up with Jones and Djiksteel.
 
I think Colin tried him up front to no great effect. He's not a striker.

I'd be happy enough to start Watmore on Saturday with Josh on the bench. Not over the moon but not too worried either.
 
Craggsy2 said:
Since it is not looking likely that we will be signing a striker before Saturday what do people think about playing Matt Crooks in a Striker role?
Not sure if it has been tried in training or he has played here before but I think he has the attributes to play in a central striker role with much more physical presence than Watmore. He proved last year that he has an eye for goal.
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No play him midfield arriving late. We don't play pinging it direct to a big man and I don't want to fall into that trap simply because we've got a tall goalscoring midfielder. As it stands it'll be Watmore and McGree with Coburn and Akpom subs
 
I think the encouraging thing is we have service from the left now with Giles.

In pre-season the midfielders seem to be arriving in the box and getting headers, and pull backs. We need Crooks in midfield.

Did McGree and Watmore start v Marseille?
 
Forss hasn’t played much of pre season (if any) he is most likely to sign before Saturday, he will be on the bench hopefully ready to make an impact but highly doubt he would start.
 
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