Peter Crouch has noticed a shift in emphasis in Liverpool preseason training.

The 26-year-old striker admits much of the Reds' training ground work has been centred on fine-tuning formations so the new boys fit in.

"It's been hard like any pre-season but with a lot more ball work," Crouch, who's netted 31 goals in 97 games during two seasons at Anfield, told the club's website.

"Last year there was an emphasis on physical work but this year we've been doing a lot more on team shape and helping the new players fit in. We need to be right at it from the first Premier League game."