People don't understand that Alabasta was Croc's lowest point in the series, just because that's when he was the most threatening as a villain.
Prime Crocodile was so respected he got a bounty freeze before reaching 100 million Berry, and was known directly by people like Whitebeard. Doflamingo, who had no respect for Bellamy with a 100 million + bounty, had high respect for Crocodile.
When we met Croc, he had given up on his original dreams of being a pirate, let alone King. I mean, look at Baroque Works:
Robin is strong, obviously. Mr. 1 and Ms. Doublefinger are both powerful and intelligent, and Mr. 2 was likewise a powerful fighter. Mr. 3 was a bit cheap, but still dangerous. Outside that, though? Holy crap. Mr. 4 and Ms. Merry Christmas were strong, but dumb as rocks.
Baroque Works being full of so many clowns is Oda screaming in our face that Crocodile lost his actual crew/had a falling out with his original crew. Croc lost his Haki.
That's the only reason Luffy won in Alabasta: Crocodile relied on his Fruit, and Luffy's Will/Haki overpowered him. In Marineford, we see Croc using his body/hook way more, because he's done spamming Fruit attacks.
That's why I'm interested to see where the hunt for the One Piece takes Crocodile; Mihawk has no interest in it, but I believe Croc DOES have a desire to be Pirate King. Why?
Oda's teased Croc going for the One Piece subtly for a while.
Sugoi Buggy, reigniting your subordinates' dreams.