Overview
Matt Crooks, born on January 20, 1994, in Huddersfield, England, is a professional footballer primarily known for his role as a central midfielder. Standing at 1.83 meters (approximately 6 feet), Crooks possesses a commanding physical presence that he utilizes effectively in defensive duels and aerial contests. His career has seen him feature for several clubs across the English football league system, including Accrington Stanley, Rangers, Rotherham United, and Middlesbrough, before a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Real Salt Lake in 2024. Crooks' versatility allows him to operate in various midfield roles, from a deeper defensive position to a more advanced attacking one, contributing to both phases of play.
Position
As a central midfielder, Matt Crooks is tasked with connecting play between defense and attack. His primary attributes for this role include his ability to win possession, distribute the ball accurately, and make late runs into the opposition box. He has demonstrated proficiency as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of covering significant ground and influencing play in both penalty areas. His height and strength also make him an asset during set-pieces, both offensively and defensively.
Identity
Matt Crooks' professional identity is defined by his athleticism, work rate, and goal-scoring threat from midfield. He is often described as a player who brings tenacity and commitment to every match, acting as a driving force in the center of the park. His ability to score crucial goals, particularly with his head, adds another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset for any team. This blend of physicality, technical competence, and goal-scoring instinct positions him as a dynamic presence in midfield.
Career path
Matt Crooks began his footballing journey in the youth academy of Huddersfield Town, his hometown club. He progressed through their ranks, showcasing early promise, before making his senior debut. His initial professional experiences involved loan spells that provided him with valuable first-team exposure.
Huddersfield Town & Early Loans
After developing within the Huddersfield Town academy, Crooks signed his first professional contract. During his time at Huddersfield, he gained senior experience through loan moves. One notable spell was with Accrington Stanley in 2014, where he made 14 appearances in League Two, scoring 2 goals, as reported by Transfermarkt. This period helped to hone his abilities in a competitive environment.
Rangers
In 2016, Crooks made a significant move to Scottish giants Rangers FC, signing a four-year contract. His time in Glasgow, however, was impacted by injuries, limiting his appearances. He featured in 2 Scottish Premiership matches and 1 UEFA Europa League qualifier for Rangers during the 2016-17 season, as detailed on Wikipedia.
Northampton Town & Rotherham United
Following his spell at Rangers, Crooks returned to English football, initially joining Northampton Town in 2017. His performances there caught the attention of Rotherham United, whom he joined in January 2019. At Rotherham, Crooks established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to their campaigns in the Championship and League One. He made 108 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 19 goals, according to Transfermarkt, becoming a fan favorite for his energetic displays.
Middlesbrough
In July 2021, Crooks moved to Middlesbrough FC, signing a three-year contract. He continued to be a vital presence in midfield, known for his goal-scoring ability from deeper positions. Over two-and-a-half seasons, he made 109 appearances for Middlesbrough, scoring 19 goals, before his departure in February 2024.
Real Salt Lake
In February 2024, Matt Crooks embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining MLS side Real Salt Lake. This move marked his first experience playing club football outside of the UK since his brief spell in Scotland. He quickly integrated into the squad, bringing his trademark tenacity and midfield dynamism to the American league.
Playing style
Matt Crooks is characterized by a playing style that blends physical prowess with technical proficiency, making him a versatile central midfielder. His 1.83m frame allows him to excel in aerial duels, both in defensive and offensive situations. This attribute is particularly evident in his goal-scoring record, where he frequently converts headers from set-pieces and crosses.
His primary role often sees him operating as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of influencing both ends of the pitch. Defensively, Crooks exhibits strong tackling and interception abilities, breaking up opposition attacks and regaining possession. His work rate is consistently high, allowing him to cover significant ground and press opponents effectively. According to FBref, his defensive actions often include a high volume of pressures and successful tackles in the midfield third.
Offensively, Crooks possesses a keen eye for goal, making well-timed runs into the penalty area. He is adept at striking from distance and shows composure in front of goal. His passing range is solid, capable of intricate short passes to maintain possession and longer balls to switch play or initiate counter-attacks. While not primarily a dribbler, he can carry the ball through midfield with purpose, driving his team forward.
His playing style has drawn comparisons to midfielders who combine physical robustness with goal-scoring instincts, such as a more athletic version of a traditional English central midfielder. He shares traits with players known for their engine and late runs into the box. His ability to adapt to different systems and contribute consistently across various leagues underscores his reliability and professional approach to the game.
Achievements & honours
Matt Crooks has accumulated several notable achievements throughout his career, primarily within the English Football League system, contributing to promotion campaigns and team successes. While major silverware has been elusive, his impact on his respective teams has been significant, particularly during his tenures at Rotherham United and Middlesbrough.
One of his most significant collective achievements came with Rotherham United, where he played a crucial role in their promotion campaigns. He was instrumental in securing promotion to the EFL Championship on two occasions, demonstrating his importance to the team's success in League One.
Individually, Crooks has been recognized for his performances, often being highlighted for his goal-scoring contributions from midfield and his consistent work rate. While specific individual awards like 'Player of the Year' are not universally documented across all his clubs, his consistent presence in the starting XI and his ability to score important goals underscore his value.
His career milestones include making over 100 appearances for multiple clubs, reflecting his longevity and consistent performance levels across different divisions. The table below outlines some of his key team honours:
| Club | Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Rotherham United | EFL League One (Promotion) | 2019–2020 |
| Rotherham United | EFL League One (Promotion) | 2021–2022 |
International career
Matt Crooks has not represented England at senior international level. While he developed through the youth system of Huddersfield Town, a prominent English club, and has played extensively across various tiers of English football, he has not received a call-up to the England national team. His career has primarily focused on club football, where he has been a consistent performer in the Championship and League One.
England's national team selection is highly competitive, especially in midfield, with a deep pool of talent playing in the Premier League and top European leagues. Crooks' career trajectory, while successful at club level, has not aligned with the typical path for senior international recognition within the English setup. There is no record of him representing England at any youth international level either, as detailed by official Football Association records and common football databases like Transfermarkt.
His focus has remained steadfast on his club commitments, where he has consistently aimed to contribute to team success and individual development. While an international cap remains a significant ambition for many professional footballers, Crooks' career has been defined by his robust performances and consistency in domestic leagues rather than international fixtures.
What makes Matt Crooks stand out
Matt Crooks distinguishes himself through a combination of physical presence, goal-scoring ability from midfield, and an exceptional work rate. His height and strength make him a formidable opponent in aerial duels and a reliable target man in advanced areas, particularly during set-pieces. This dual threat, both defensively winning headers and offensively scoring them, sets him apart from many traditional central midfielders.
Furthermore, his knack for arriving late in the box to score crucial goals is a defining characteristic. He reads the game well enough to anticipate attacking opportunities, making him a consistent goal threat from midfield, a trait highly valued in modern football. His versatility to play both as a deeper-lying midfielder and a more advanced attacking midfielder also highlights his adaptability and understanding of different tactical roles.
"Matt is a player who gives you everything. His energy is infectious, and he has that crucial ability to pop up with important goals."