Where does Andy Carroll's future lie?

After earning huge name and fame at Newcastle United, Andy Carroll was lured by Liverpool’s huge sum of money and joined the Reds in early 2011. But the same club that brought him for GBP 35 million failed to get the best out of him in spite of chances under the Dalglish reign. The player did not fit into new manager Brendan Rodgers’ scheme of things and was hence loaned out to West Ham early in the season.

Now, with the season coming to an end, his future still remains uncertain. He might be brought back to Liverpool or sold to another club which can offer Liverpool in excess of GBP 15 million. The Andy Carroll transfer always comes to the surface whenever he puts up a good performance for West Ham, as was the case after his impressive performance against Manchester United and West Brom a few weeks back. However, the price tag of around GBP 17 million may prove too costly for many teams who wish to sign the lanky striker. It is for the same reason that there are rumours that the club may be interested in signing Nikica Jelavic from Everton, who could prove to be a value-for-money player.

One does not need to be a rocket scientist to understand that Brendan Rodgers is not a big fan of Andy Carroll. It is understandable as well, as Rodgers is someone who has a different approach to the game, where players prefer to keep the ball at their feet. On the other hand, Andy’s game suits teams like West Ham and Stoke, who launch the ball upfront. Andy has been a good team player for West Ham, as he has been winning headers with ease against his opponents and thus creating chances for his teammates as well as himself.

There are some who suggest that the player deserves a chance under BR, as the manager has not even given the striker a chance to prove himself in the Liverpool jersey, as he was loaned even before the season started. The player initially was a part of the pre-season games. He desperately wanted to play for Liverpool and wanted to show that he belonged to the club, but he was not given a chance. He may not fit into Liverpool’s new style of play, but he could have been easily used as a super sub, especially against teams which had a physical presence. And when Liverpool’s Plan A could not materialise, he could have been brought from the bench with a Plan B, but it was not to be.

However, putting Andy Carroll on the bench could be a expensive proposition, with the star in the list of high wage earners for Liverpool. It could be too much for Liverpool, as he is not guaranteed first team football. How can the most expensive player warm the bench? It holds no justice. He was sent on loan to West Ham to gain experience, but with injuries, he could not prove himself much. There were some glittering performances in some games, but he lacked consistency overall. However, his link-up with Kevin Nolan has been appreciated by all and sundry in the EPL, as these two created a lot of trouble for opposition defenders while playing together.

There are certain positives also if big Andy is brought back to Liverpool, for he is one of the best in the EPL when it comes to winning battles in the air. Liverpool, with the number of skilled dribblers in their team, have won plenty of fouls on both flanks, but have not been able to convert their chances from those set-pieces. Similarly, the Reds have also got a number of chances to score goals from corners, but they do not have too many players who can win those headers in the danger area. It is at this juncture that Andy Carroll can play an important role. With his height, he is one of best attacking headers of a football. In the present squad, Daniel Agger seems to be the only target for Liverpool from corners.

With the Liverpool owners looking for younger players, Andy Carroll is an ideal choice, aged just 24 years. Maybe the owners need to try their luck and see how things pan out, as it could turn out to be a profitable investment if it pays off. If not, then they can definitely sell Carroll next season.

Before the Suarez bite incident, Liverpool might have been sure that the player was no longer wanted at Liverpool, but with the uncertainty over Luis Suarez’s future, it is time to rethink their plans and strategies, if the Uruguayan quits the club. Maybe at this juncture, Andy could come into Rodgers’ scene. Will he?