Alan Kennedy told Sky Sports News that Peter Crouch is the man to steer Liverpool to the Premier League title.
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Former Liverpool defender Alan Kennedy insists Peter Crouch must have a big part to play if the Reds are to mount a challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Kennedy feels Liverpool proved their title credentials in Sunday's 1-1 draw with high-flying Arsenal, but fears goalscoring is still a problem for Rafa Benitez's side.
However, Kennedy was impressed with Crouch, who came on as a second-half replacement for the injured Fernando Torres, and hopes the England striker will start more games from now on.
He told
Sky Sports News: "I thought it was a big test for Liverpool and they came through it with flying colours, as did Arsenal.
"It was a great game to watch. The positives were that Liverpool can play with two wide men. We saw Andriy Voronin and Dirk Kuyt work hard on the wings and Steven Gerrard was obviously the pick of the bunch in midfield.
"But I thought we lacked something up front. Torres proved at half-time that he was injured and Crouch did very well when he came on.
"We have to start scoring goals, that's the main thing. I think Crouch may come in as a centre-forward and I hope he gets to start because when he came on he seemed to change the game. He had a couple of efforts that were saved by the goalkeeper.
Gangly
"There's nothing wrong with Peter Crouch. People look at him and say he's a bit awkward and a bit gangly, but he has a very, very good goalscoring record and he is a good player.
"He gave Arsenal problems, certainly in the air, and on the ground. With a little bit more match fitness he might have scored.
"People will be linking him with clubs away from Liverpool, but I see him as part of Liverpool's future and I think he will be because I think he's a very good player.
"He's not underestimated by the fans as well. They want to see Liverpool create chances and they think Peter Crouch can score them."
Kennedy also praised the contribution of Gerrard and wishes more of the squad would show the same level of commitment as the talismanic skipper.
"Gerrard does contribute a lot to the team, there's no doubt about that," Kennedy added.
"He's a driving force from the midfield. He's been asked to play in several positions - sometimes wide on the right, sometimes just off the front man, but whatever position Steven's asked to play he gives it everything.
Tremendous
"Would we be a lesser team without him? Of course we would. I think he has been the driving force, as has Jamie Carragher at the back. They are two local lads who have been absolutely tremendous this season and last.
"Steven Gerrard is without doubt one of the best midfielders in the country. I have to say though, we need others like him to be in the team fighting away giving 110 per cent. But Steven will always probably give a little bit more than anybody else."
Kennedy also backed his former club to win the title this season, but admits they must improve if they are to overhaul Arsenal and Manchester United.
He concluded: "I think generally speaking we're quite pleased with the way the season has panned out at this moment in time. There's a long way to go and Liverpool do get stronger as the season goes on.
"I'll be honest with you, I thought they would have a real impact on the season. I thought Liverpool could win the Premier League and I still believe they can do it, although yesterday's performance showed they are still behind the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United."
