Milan star Kaka wary of Crouch danger

May 22 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

AC MILAN talisman Kaka is considered by many to be the world’s best player but the Brazil international believes Liverpool striker Peter Crouch could be the dangerman in tomorrow’s Champions League final in Athens.

The 6ft 7in Crouch was not yet a Liverpool player when the Anfield side pulled off their stunning win over Milan in Istanbul two years ago, making the move from Southampton that summer.

However, 25-year-old Kaka believes 26-year-old Crouch’s addition to the squad since that epic win gives Liverpool an extra dimension.

Kaka said: “He’s a dangerous player in the air, when the ball is in the area he’s always an opportunist.

“We have to pay attention to him if he plays.”

Not that Kaka is anticipating an easy ride if Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez should decide to keep the England striker out of his starting line-up.

“If a different one plays there will be other things we have to worry about,” said Kaka.

The Brazilian said the dramatic defeat of 2005, when Milan lost on penalties having led 3-0 at half-time, had no bearing on his thinking ahead of the two teams’ rematch in Athens.

“For me the motivation is to get to a final and have the possibility of winning,” he added.“Everyone’s talking about revenge for what happened in 2005. I think what happened is a thing of the past. It happened. We lost that final, Liverpool were the champions and it’ll always be remembered that way.”

Kaka also revealed a begrudging respect for the Anfield side’s often-criticised style.

“I think Liverpool, differently from Manchester United, play a game that’s very characteristic of English football,” he said.

“They’re a very well-trained team by Benitez and a very tactical team, they mark tight and have all the traits of an English team.”