Why Andy Carroll will succeed with Liverpool FC

Carroll-Gerrard-Suarez The Deadly Trio

Much criticism has been aimed at Andy Carroll in recent weeks for his failure to score goals, but unlike many, I personally think that he has what it takes to become a hit with the Anfield faithful.

I’ve talked about it before, but although Stewart Downing was indeed signed to try and bring out the best of Andy Carroll, he hasn’t been too effective when it comes to one thing: putting the ball inside the box. Sure, there’s always that one cross that we always talk about, being the one where the Englishman crossed to his counterpart and then Carroll saw his shot hit the upright. But that’s the only considerably good piece of linking between the duo. Carroll hasn’t gotten much to work with.

As seen against Newcastle United, Carroll’s ex-club, he wasn’t effective for much of the first 60 minutes. But he came alive immediately with captain Steven Gerrard’s introduction, with the Liverpool captain placing inch perfect balls for Carroll to feed onto. It gave him the oppourtunity to out-muscle the Newcastle defenders with his aerial ability, meaning that he was more effective for the Reds despite missing out on that elusive goal.

Another thing that must be mentioned. Stewart Downing MUST really play on the left when Carroll’s playing. This being simply because he cuts in way too much when he plays on the right wing – meaning that he doesn’t get many deliveries into the box. And if he does, more often than not, he puts it in with his weaker right foot. What does this mean? Less accuracy, less consistency. Carroll simply won’t get to those.

But Liverpool FC still lack a ‘proper’ right winger. Steven Gerrard might even be a considerable option now, with his crosses to the lanky Englishman probably seen as the most effective weapon at the moment. Henderson, Kuyt and co. all lack cutting edge when it comes to crossing the ball into the box.

A Gerrard-Suarez-Carroll combo will also see Carroll hitting his stride, being that Suarez doesn’t have to drop too far back now with Gerrard in the team. Suarez can feed of those headers that Carroll will win and try and finish them off. Suarez’s ability from out wide is also spectacular, so Liverpool FC should be licking their lips with their attacking combination.