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Hull City star Matt Crooks has compared one teammate to ‘Messi’ as he eagerly awaits his injury return.
Hull City secured their Championship survival on the final day of the season after they notched a vital draw on their travels against Portsmouth.
The Tigers’ hero on the day was Matt Crooks, a January signing who made a significant goalscoring impact at the club after joining, especially in a season where Hull City have struggled to find a reliable attacker.
Because of the well-needed Championship survival from a financial standpoint, Hull City will be hoping that they can keep hold of several players on the side, including one rarely seen ace whose season was brought to a halt because of injury.
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Hull City star Matt Crooks discusses Liam Millar quality as he draws ‘Messi’ comparison
Hull City have been hampered this season by several notable injuries, one of the key reasons why they found themselves surprisingly in the lower echelons of the Championship, surviving by the skin of their teeth on goal difference.
One player who has missed the majority of the campaign is Canadian winger Liam Millar, a crafty forward with pace and skill, two qualities that Hull City significantly missed this season.
Many have noted the impact that Millar’s absence has made, including the players, with Crooks, per Hull Daily Mail, discussing just how crucial his return will be for next season.
“We need to get (Liam) Millar back,” said Crooks. “He’s been telling me all these good things he’s been doing. I’m excited to see Liam play. He’s the Canadian Messi by all accounts, so I think when Liam comes back, we’ll be fine!
“But seriously, there’s a good squad in there. We don’t want a repeat of this year. I’m sure, like every club, there will be incomings, outgoings, and we’ll see the state of play when the summer comes.
“A good pre-season is key, get the lads playing together. Go away and have a rest now, do whatever, but when we come together in pre-season, we’ve really got to get to it straight away.”
Tigers wide areas will be transformed with injury returning stars
Hull City really lacked pace this season, something that they will likely fix with recruitment over the summer if they want to significantly improve upon their finish this season.
Through the middle, as well as in the wide areas, Hull City have struggled for creativity and goalscoring output, but hopefully the return of both Millar and Mohamed Belloumi who solve that issue on the wings.
The wide pair only notched a collective 21 appearances between the two in the Championship before season-ending injuries hit both, leaving Hull City’s wide options incredibly limited, something that could easily be the fault of poor recruitment as well.
Hull City owner Acun Ilicali will no doubt need extra depth out wide next season, but the number one options for wingers are surely sorted, with Millar and Belloumi already showing in their limited game time that they are brilliant assets at Championship level.