Andy Carroll - Best Striker in the World

[Lecter]

The slalom run in the first half was something I didn't expect for Andy. I didn't know he had those dribbling skills.

There was a nice pass he put through that showed pretty decent vision as well

I actually like some of the runs he makes to give others space, quite intelligent at times

[Lecter]

It was his lack of movement and work off the ball that concerned me yesterday, I do hope that is a fitness issue.

I thought he made a couple of half decent runs to take players away from the middle

[red g]

didnt motd2 do a highlights reel on him showing that is movement in general was excellent?

[Mostar]

There was a nice pass he put through that showed pretty decent vision as well

I actually like some of the runs he makes to give others space, quite intelligent at times

I see more to his game that what I originally expected.

One thing I wish he does better is quick first-touch passing.

He takes his time and usually it's few seconds too late and the opportunity to link up goes begging.

He'll get better once he adjusts to his new teammates.

[spanky]

i think he'll be fine once he gets his fitness back up, he hasn't really been fully fit.
i'm thinking maybe we'll play something similar to jose's system when he was at chelsea, big man up top to hold the ball with two talented wide men playing off him(duff-drogba-robben)
with maybe suarez-carroll-gerrard?

[Pablo]

Needs a good summer off. I'm confident he'll be great for us next season, especially after we sign some wide players to give him better service.

[kris90210]

As far as Carroll's Summer is concerned, I can see the benefit of him resting up, but also of him competing in a tournament. He's seriously short on match fitness, and in that sense it could be just what he needs. He hasn't played as much football as some of the other boys in the squad and so he shouldn't - hypothetically - need as much rest!

It's win-win either way. So long as he doesn't get injured of course!!

[Daniel 7]

I hope he's our Plan B long term, rather than our default first choice. I'm praying.

[Chrono]

I hope he's our Plan B long term, rather than our default first choice. I'm praying.

Why? Drogba is without a doubt the most dangerous striker in the league and Carroll is exactly the same type of player but about 10 times younger. People creaming over Lukaku but we have potentially a world class player on our hands.

He might look rusty and slow now but he isn't fit and has hardly been a disaster in the little he has played for us. In Carroll we have an exceptional player who WILL be our first choice for many many years to come.

[Daniel 7]

He's nowhere near Drogba's standard. The two are incomparable, Drogba has consistently been the top striker in the PL for years. Carroll has half a decent season behind him. Thats it. He's nowhere near as dynamic and mobile and never has been. Not saying he can't be effective, I'm just not really a fan of hoq to make him effective.

[Fernandinho]

Drogba was a late bloomer wasn't he? Carroll has the similar assets. Power, strength and a rocket of a shot. Not to say he couldn't become what Drogba was/is. Althought I agree that he isn't near that now.

[Neil Young]

I wish people would stop using the word bloomer. That's two days in a row it's made me want to eat some bread.

[Chrono]

Drogba was a late bloomer wasn't he? Carroll has the similar assets. Power, strength and a rocket of a shot. Not to say he couldn't become what Drogba was/is. Althought I agree that he isn't near that now.

Exactly. Drogba was a late bloomer (with wiltshire ham and pickle) and Carroll has the potential to be everything Drogba is. Clearly there is some way to go but he is being rubbished after a handful of games.

[BrooklynRed]

Drogba is about 5 steps faster than Carroll and has far more skill on the ball, in dead ball situations, and in making passes to his teammates; he is an older, more complete player.

Carroll will be a fine player and I have no doubt that his performance on Sunday was down to the structure of the midfield and his fitness in general, but Drogba shares power with Carroll and bests him in the skill department by a long way. No shame in that; he is an older, wiser player with plenty more experience under his belt. I see Carroll developing more into a cross between Crouch and Rooney than I do a Drogba, but that's me. either way, he'll be himself and we'll be fine.

[Daniel 7]

Exactly. Drogba was a late bloomer (with wiltshire ham and pickle) and Carroll has the potential to be everything Drogba is. Clearly there is some way to go but he is being rubbished after a handful of games.

I'm sure he might well end up with a ratio of one every three games, I'm sure he'll score some important goals - the point I was making earlier was I'm not a fan of the direct football that will be needed to make him effective.

Drogba is and was a bit of a phenomenon, not only is he able to blitz players with pace, he has a great first touch, can shoot with power, has great vision, can defend from corners and set pieces as well as acting like a battering ram with his pace and power.

Carroll isn't going to be anywhere near that level in his career, he is never going to have all those attributes. Carroll is a british striker, thats why he is constantly referred to as a throwback. Drogba is the model for the all round, athletic, multi-talented, lone front man.

I'm not saying he'll be terrible, and I'm not writing him off. I have never been a fan of that kind of player. Just because he's just signed for us doesn't mean I have dropped my opinions and changed my mind.