Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez has warned Peter Crouch
that he must fight for his place at Anfield.
Crouch has dropped down the pecking order at Liverpool this season
with Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Andrei Voronin all ahead of him
in Benitez's plans.
The England international has spoken of his frustration at his lack
of first-team opportunities, but Benitez has told the giant forward
to do his talking on the pitch.
Character
"In a top side every player needs to prove his character, quality
and mentality.
"The strikers need to be ready and the responsibility is on the
player. When I talk about a good mentality I mean a winning one,
trying to fight for your position and show you're good
enough.
"We're hopefully going to play 60 games so that's enough for all to
have their opportunity.
"If they say they are not ready, in a top side we don't want
excuses. We want players who are ready to play every game the best
they can.
"It doesn't just apply to Crouch but to all of them. For me it's
better if a player plays 50 per cent of the games working at 100
per cent and not 90 per cent in all games and not win
anything."
No problem
Benitez also called on Crouch to use the example of Yossi Benayoun
by playing his way into his plans
"Benayoun showed what can happen if you work hard and you're ready.
But I don't have a problem with Crouch - he's learning," added
Benitez.
"It's frustrating for them but when they are left out they must be
ready for the next game.
"Sides do evolve and you do lose players along the way. That is
inevitable.
"It isn't easy to find players like Jamie Carragher, who stay at
one club and retain a winning mentality. But Crouch will score
goals and must be ready when he gets a chance."