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Peter Crouch, a member of the Liverpool squad that reached the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final under Rafa Benitez, has shared an amusing insight into the Spaniard’s meticulous and sometimes paranoid approach to match preparation.

While the recent ‘Spygate’ controversy involving Southampton and Middlesbrough caused quite a stir in English football, the act of spying on opponents has long been part of the game’s folklore.

Most managers accept the possibility of being watched during training as part of professional football, but a few go to remarkable lengths to ensure rivals gain no tactical advantage. One such manager, according to Crouch, was former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who would devise elaborate plans to conceal his strategies from prying eyes.

The former Reds striker recalled how Benitez often introduced misleading training formations to throw off any potential observers trying to figure out Liverpool’s tactical setup.

“I know Rafa Benitez was very cautious about people watching our training sessions before big matches,” Crouch told FourFourTwo on behalf of Deliveroo, which has created a 6ft 7in pizza in his honour ahead of the World Cup.

“Sometimes we would train in a completely different system just to confuse any spies or give them a false impression of how we were going to line up,” he explained.

Crouch noted that Benitez’s tactical disguises were often implemented before major European fixtures, particularly away games in the Champions League.

“Especially when we trained in the opposition’s stadiums for Champions League matches, we’d often work in a different shape,” Crouch laughed. “But in our minds, we knew what the real formation was. We’d prepare all week in Liverpool on our actual system, so when we travelled abroad, we knew exactly what we were doing — even if it looked like something else to anyone watching.”

The former England striker expressed disappointment over his old club Southampton’s involvement in the recent Spygate saga but admitted that such practices have become part of modern football culture.

“I think spying on opponents happens quite a lot in other countries,” he said. “I hadn’t really seen much of it in English football before now. But with so many different cultures and personalities from across the world now involved in the Premier League, these habits are starting to creep into our game too.”

Crouch also spoke about his collaboration with Deliveroo, who have created the giant ‘Pizza Crouch’ — a 6ft 7in pizza named after him.

“I’m genuinely honoured,” he said with a laugh. “When I turned up for the photos, it really was as tall as me! I can’t believe no one combined ‘Peter’ and ‘pizza’ before. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m proud of it. I reckon it’ll take about 12 people to finish it.”

The ‘Pizza Crouch’ creation is three-quarters margherita — Crouch’s favourite — and one-quarter Hawaiian, a playful nod to his wife Abbey Clancy’s top choice.

“I’ve had a lot of memorable moments in my career, but becoming a 6ft 7in pizza is definitely one of the highlights,” Crouch added. “It’s perfect because watching football with friends is one of life’s great joys, and the worst thing is missing a goal while grabbing another pizza from the oven.

Deliveroo’s ‘Pizza Crouch’ takes care of that problem brilliantly — it’s an honour to be part of people’s watch parties this summer, keeping everyone fed while they enjoy the football.”

Deliveroo has teamed up with Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy to launch the 6ft 7in ‘Pizza Crouch’, capable of feeding up to 30 people. Limited delivery slots are available exclusively via Eventbrite, with deliveries scheduled for 17th June in London and 19th June in Edinburgh.