Liver n'Onions: Curse Of The #9 Shirt

What seems to be the trouble with the number 9 shirt at Liverpool… A hex bestowed upon it since the  departure of Fernando Torres perhaps? This edition of Liver n' Onions will tickle the superstition inside of you, with the current occupant of Andy Carroll seeming to be following suit, in the suit vacated by Torres.

The fanfare of Torres' arrival on Merseyside was and uproar that was thoroughly justified in the performances executed by the great Spaniard, notching goals like they were going out of style. In his first few seasons for the Reds he warranted mention in the conversation of best current players. Since the 2008-09 season in which he was shortlisted for the FIFA world player of the year, arriving in third behind only Ronaldo and Messi, he has faltered. A lot of his later failings at Liverpool were due to having constant issues with fitness. Under Roy Hodgson the struggling striker seemed to be on his  last straw, fed up with himself and his teams performances. This was the catalyst  to his 50 million pound sale to Chelsea, in which he failed to run away from his problems. The mojo had left him, and he was floundering to make an impact until recently,  showing promise in Chelsea's last couple matches looking to have re-gained his sharpness of yesteryears. This is more than could be said of Liverpool's new number 9, who's still wallowing in the mire. The comparisons between Andy Carroll and Torres are apparent to see, goin beyond their hefty price tags and their roles in the Liverpool squad, it's that they are both lacking form.  

Andy Carroll has made six appearances for Liverpool this season, has scored zero goals, and hasn't looked fit, starting most games from the bench. Carroll did start  this weekend in their 2- 1 win over Wolves, and actually looked capable of  causing perspiration on the brow of Goalkeeper Hennessey. Showing glimpses of why he was bought for 35 million at the weekend suggests a possible turn of form, similar to the situation that Torres is experiencing.  Carroll was bought to replace Torres at Liverpool and add depth to a thin frontline, but all the Scousers have received as of yet is another frustrated and out of form number 9. Like Torres, Carroll needs the boost of goals and the confidence they bring. Carroll is known to have a rather fruit-full off-the field life which has been the suggested cause of his non success so far, but perhaps it's the shirt. With all the greats who have worn the Liverpool number 9, Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush to name a couple it couldn't be could it? Until Carroll turns up at Anfield, myself and fans alike will have to watch another great player struggle in the shirt that should optimizes goals.