Andy Carroll - Best Striker in the World

[Craig_H]

We bought the players to provide him with the support he needs but he needs to do his share if he wants to be successful.

How many times Downing or Enrique would make the run on the left and cross the ball and not find him there or how many times the same players had to slow down so he can find his way in the box.

He needs to be aggressive, he needs to instill his will and physical presence in 6-yard box and he is not doing that atm.

I dont think we're playing anywhere near to his strengths, personally. I'm not saying he cant do more, but we arent giving him the best chance, with the way we're playing. Of course he needs to improve - he's 22 though and i dont know any 22 year old player who was at his peak at that stage.

Just sounds a little holier than thou when you say it. hard to put your finger on.

Prob best not to make an issue of it then, if you cant substantiate it.

[Suarez]

They still have professional pride, if nothing else and i wouldnt accuse anyone of shirking.

I agree with that, but because of everything else I said I think a lot of fans fail to show loyalty and support to a bunch of players who they feel would **** off as soon as a better offer came in.

Thats modern day football.

[Craig_H]

I agree with that, but because of everything else I said I think a lot of fans fail to show loyalty and support to a bunch of players who they feel would **** off as soon as a better offer came in.

Thats modern day football.

We're supporting the club & while they represent the club & fight for it, the players rightly get our support. Or they should, at least.

[Mostar]

I dont think we're playing anywhere near to his strengths, personally. I'm not saying he cant do more, but we arent giving him the best chance, with the way we're playing. Of course he needs to improve - he's 22 though and i dont know any 22 year old player who was at his peak at that stage

Perhaps you are right but I want to see Carroll demand the ball, starts to move better and begin to anticipating what his teammates will do as they will find him but he needs to put in imo much more effort for that to work than what he's doing now.

I realize he is frustrated himself (as Exeter game showed) and he's still not 100% fit but we have to expect more from him as he showed tons more with Newcastle.

[Kenneth]

Anyway, this applies to 90% of the criticism Carroll I've seen on here.

when people say 'he should be making his own goals for 35m' an such like, they probably don't mean that he personally, Mr Andrew Carroll should be doing x and y. They really mean that 'he' (Liverpool's replacement for Torres and record signing by some distance) should be doing these things.

It's not worth getting irate with the one or two exceptions.

[Craig_H]

Perhaps you are right but I want to see Carroll demand the ball, starts to move better and begin to anticipating what his teammates will do as they will find him but he needs to put in imo much more effort for that work than what he's doing now.

I realize he is frustrated himself (as Exeter game showed) and he's still not 100% fit but we have to expect more from him as he showed tons more with Newcastle.

I agree that he needs to do some things better, of course he does. But once again, he's 22 years old and has played just 14 games for us - in what is half a new team too, that's nowhere near enough. I dont think his effort is questionable, but at his age, i expect him to get frustrated and that this may effect his game. Of course he needs to improve on that and it will come. What he needs right now, to prevent his head dropping more, is the fans to stick with him. Crouch didnt score for 18 games and still had the fans. Plus he was far more developed and mature. Carroll has 3 in 14 games, not enough of course, but it takes time.

[sean_lfc]

Thanks for all the replies Craig. I fully agree! Just wanted to acknowledge that. At some point I was going to do another reply to my first (quite positive one to Shaggy), but then the blades and internet warriors came battling out again and I couldn't be arsed! Alas, you being the all-time Samurai warrior of this board... (made my life all the easier)

[cream]

I agree that he needs to do some things better, of course he does. But once again, he's 22 years old and has played just 14 games for us - in what is half a new team too, that's nowhere near enough. I dont think his effort is questionable, but at his age, i expect him to get frustrated and that this may effect his game. Of course he needs to improve on that and it will come. What he needs right now, to prevent his head dropping more, is the fans to stick with him. Crouch didnt score for 18 games and still had the fans. Plus he was far more developed and mature. Carroll has 3 in 14 games, not enough of course, but it takes time.

The problem with having a player like Carroll and playing to his strengths is that you have to change we footballing philosophy to make him effective. The question is, will the team have to adapt to Carroll or will Carroll have to adopt to the team ???

[Craig_H]

The problem with having a player like Carroll and playing to his strengths is that you have to change we footballing philosophy to make him effective. The question is, will the team have to adapt to Carroll or will Carroll have to adopt to the team ???

Bit of both, but i dont think it should be assumed that we need to turn into a team of hoofers to play to Carroll's strengths. Getting wide and putting quality into the box isnt hoofball. It's just a part of football, and it would utilise his best attributes, but we dont do it enough or well enough.

[Baracus]

We need Rafa's help on the Carroll situation and style of play. Look at Rafa's 2nd/3rd Season and the 2nd half of the season playing with Crouch upfront. We were a machine, creating chances by the bucketful. Kenny hire Rafa as an advisor.

[cream]

Bit of both, but i dont think it should be assumed that we need to turn into a team of hoofers to play to Carroll's strengths. Getting wide and putting quality into the box isnt hoofball. It's just a part of football, and it would utilise his best attributes, but we dont do it enough or well enough.

No-one is talking about hoofing. You see, I don't think we be a team that'll put in a lot of crosses, and one of the biggest reason Carroll is struggling is because he's having to adapt his game.

[kris90210]

The problem with having a player like Carroll and playing to his strengths is that you have to change we footballing philosophy to make him effective. The question is, will the team have to adapt to Carroll or will Carroll have to adopt to the team ???

I don't think that's necessarily the case, personally. There have been games this season where he has been very tidy in possession, showing good awareness and link up play. He can also strike a ball incredibly well. He just seems unable to be able to manufacture the space he needs for a clean strike on goal right now.

I agree with Craig on principle, but it his current form is cause for concern. Keep hoping that something suddenly clicks for him.

[BobTheCharmer]

We need Rafa's help on the Carroll situation and style of play. Look at Rafa's 2nd/3rd Season and the 2nd half of the season playing with Crouch upfront. We were a machine, creating chances by the bucketful. Kenny hire Rafa as an advisor.

thats a ****ing insult to Kenny imo.

[Liverpool]

I think to get the best out of Andy we need to stop kicking it long to him all day, when we do kick it long its always when were under pressure, with 9 men in our half, if we want to use him to play it long the midfield needs to be closer for any knock downs, anyone defending against know he has one outlet which is the other forward.

We need some decent crosses and not just aim for him every time as its rather predictable.

Give him the ball when hes facing the goal and not just with his back to it.

Theres alot the team need to do as well as Andy if hes going to be a success.

[BobTheCharmer]

I think Gerrard holds they key to getting the best out of carroll. he's the one player that can link the midfield to the attack quickly. He loved playing off of Crouch and I think he'll enjoy similar with Carroll.