Liver n' Onions: Andy Carroll, better with us than against us

With reports still somewhat swirling around the possible departure of Andy Carroll from Liverpool, I have been forced to ponder the fallout that would occur if actually leaves. Liverpool's manager Brendan Rodgers has made it  crystal that Carroll does not fit into his system, and that he is willing to ship the big lad out by any means necessary. Ok fair enough he dosen't fit into the style of play your trying to cultivate, yet here is the problem that occurs if you dump him. 


This is the same problem that occurred when Fernando Torres was firing for Liverpool, that is with Carroll gone Liverpools attack will be resting solely on the shoulders of Luis Suarez. What happens if god forbid he gets hurt?...Or more likely suspended. What happens then?  Looking at Liverpool's roster the lack of experienced or semi-experienced strikers is astounding. The newly acquired Fabio Borini is by nature a striker but I have my doubts on his ability to lead a line, when I have watched him he looks more suited to play off of a number 9 type. After that their is nothing that Liverpool could feel confidant putting out against the Premier League's elite. Carroll may not be first choice but what is the harm of having backup. Looking currently at Liverpool's squad I foresee the starting XI looking something like this:


4-1-3-2 or 4-4-2

Reina

Johnson  Skrtel   Agger  Enrique

Lucas

   Downing  Gerrard     Cole 

  Borini  Suarez 

A fluid forward line full of movement and interchanging of postions, which is not conducive to hitting Carroll's strong points. If that's not working Carroll is plan B. If new signings such as Clint Dempsey or Gaston Ramirez enter the fray, this shall change, but keeping Andy Carroll at the club can only help not hinder. I would also say that I'd rather have him with us than against us. 

Recollecting on the days of old, back when Torres walked Merseyside I remember the issue the team had in his absence relying on David N'gog for goals due to a lack of recognized strikers on the books. I don't want to see this happen again. 

Keep Carroll and get rid of the chaff i.e. Charlie Adam.

Liver n'Onions: does derby day

In a footballing bender of a weekend I witnessed a total of 540 minutes, plus extra time of nerve gripping action,  included three notable derby's, the high profile match's of PSG v. Lyon, and AC Milan vs. Juventus. Thrilling as those specified were, I cannot deny that the derby's on display took the center stage, non-more exciting than the prospect of the Merseyside derby. Staying up for a 1:30 am kick off on Friday mounts to nothing on the list of things I would do to watch this game. 

Assuming my usual chair, pencil behind the ear and  coffee in hand, I grited my teeth in suspense. However when the clock struck quarter to four, howI felt was akin to the excitement felt  before Christmas, only to be let down by the gifts on display. The derby, in comparison to ones previously, lacked impotence and controversy. Watching the North London Derby on the following day only compounded my disappointment, making me question how I feel about the modern derby in general. With the likes of Gervinho, Coquelin, and  Mertesacker starting in their first N. London derby for Arsenal, I ask the question are Derby matches a young man's game, or for the old geezers? A derby match is built off of a rivalry, usually containing frenetic pace, take-no-prisoner tackles and a general distain for the opposition. With an injection of young players, or new signings, the rivalry is lessened for the players are only feeling the rivalry tension, based off what they have been told or watched themselves. This is why you see a lot of young players getting sent off because they know what it means to win the game, yet they don't know how to approach it. Derby games are built off the history of the clubs', and the passion is heightened by the fans. Current football players aren't usually permanent enough at a club to really feel the passion of the Derby game willing to kiss any badge as long as the pay is good,so a derby games is just an excuse to slag off your fellow professionals and get stuck in, harder than usual. The billing of the Merseyside Derby, or the North London Derby imply a certain amount of intensity, that some of  the derby -virgin players can quite cope with. Either Charlie Adam had a sub-par game, or he had built up the importance of the game, and how doing well in it would impress his manager, but that said he seemed to choke.  The elder state-men have played in the atmosphere for years and usually know how to approach it. This is why I was surprised not to see Gerrard come on from the start, niggaling injury aside. A player of his stature knows the playing field, what's required, treating it just like any other game. This is something you might expect from a player new to the intense atmosphere, yet often the adverse is seen.  With the older players you feel the history materializing on the pitch, which is not felt with a bucket of new faces playing in their first derby. So I ask this question, do you think that derby games are more entertaining with young, unfamiliar players looking to prove themselves, or with the experienced players who know the derby waters?  

I will admit that I am still uneasy over the current Reds, as their performance leaves me feeling unconvinced on the the new project that King Kenny has dished up. The 216th version of this city splitting clash didn't do much to change my stance, only getting into the game once the sending off of Jack Rodwell. A dismissal which was if I may a lucky one, catalyzed by a nothing tackle and a sprawling flop from Suarez. Ref Martin Atkinson got it horribly wrong, only succeeding in giving Liverpool a chance back into a game that they looked second best in up until that point. From the start Everton looked the more cohesive unit with both Sylvian Distin and Tim Cahill testing Reina in the Liverpool goal, as the Red's midfield of Adam and Lucas struggled to supply Carroll and Suarez up top. The dismissal killed Everton's expansive play forcing Cahill to slot into the wide left position leaving Louis Saha to forage for himself as the lone advanced player. Even with reduced numbers Everton still carved out a handful of chances, but it was Liverpool who came up the 2-0 winners.  Dirk Kuyt endeared himself slightly to the Everton faithful, as his grass cutting penalty kick was saved by Howard, following Jagielka's tackle on Suarez in the box- deemed an illegal one by Atkinson. One of the shining lights in the match that uncharacteristically lacked some atmosphere was Andy Carroll's first goal of the 2011-12 season, latching onto the end of Craig Bellamy's Cross. With Suarez sealing the win on a fortunate rebound clearance from Distin, Liverpool take the spoils of Derby Glory, in a scrappy win, nothing more. As long as three points are there to be taken, I will take them and run, but a comfortably controlled win is what I desire.

Derby rating: 6.5

The Sunday proceeding saw a comparably mammoth fixture with the North London Derby illuminating the eyes of London. Arsenal, though starting the season a bit shaky, I gather feel they have the edge over their closest rivals Tottenham. This fallacy was plain to see, with the power-shift between the two clubs apparent. The match announcer made the interesting point of if you where to making a best XI out of the starting lineups of the two teams, what Arsenal players would make it? Bacary Sagna and Robin Van Persie are shoo-ins, but besides them who else? Like the Merseyside derby this match lacked some atmosphere as I didn't feel much passion, also upset with the fact that the usually controversial Adebayor didn't get in to it with any of his former Arsenal teammates or fans. Both teams' defensive frailties emerged, creating a multitude of chances for each side, both with eight a piece come the whistle for the half. Tottenham were the only team to make the flurry of chances count, as Raphael Van der Vaart made sure to put on his boots with " This Machine Kills Arsenal Dreams," written on the side, as he took down a beautiful cross on the chest and in brilliant style hit it off the bounce past Szczesny into the back corner. Aaron Ramsey was having a shocker in midfield until he leveled terms in the second, adding some spice to the simmering cauldron of White Heart Lane. As the game wound to its climax Gareth Bale looked like Seabiscuit on speed, galloping down the wing looking capable of making the difference, but the winner came from the most  unlikely of specimens in right back Kyle Walker. Having studied Danny Rose's thunderous strike from a couple of years ago, he had a look, put his foot through it, and arrowed it past outstretched arms of the Arsenal keeper like a warm knife through butter. Certainly a good way to open your account for a club, in which after the match he told Sky Sports, “I’ve just picked up the ball and hit it… Why not have a go?’' 

Derby rating: 7

If Kyle walker learned to harness the power of Thors Hammer in his boot, Andy Johnson had been waxing his board, looking like the silver surfer with his shiny bald head, and his slick runs past QPR's defense. One of the West London Derby's took action as Fulham played newly promoted Queens Park Rangers, and although spending wisely in the summer showed their scars, falling subject to a 6-0 thrashing.  Fulham looked unstoppable, with Johnson notching a hat trick and Dempsey, Murphy ad Zamora grabbing the rest. QPR made Fulham look like a world superpower, complacent in defense and an attack of Jay Bothroyd, who made nil impact. With Fulham being that team you just can't hate, (QPR fans excluded), I was delighted to see them grab their first win of the season and to do it in such emphatic style made for a thrilling spectacle. I don't expect to see many similar  shorelines at  the cottage, but it was a delightful capper to a slightly disappointing Derby weekend in the English Premier League.

Derby rating: 8.5

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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.  

Liver n'Onions Survives The International Break...Barely

Putting on my Liverpool kit circa 2008 I am reminded of the roller-coaster ride of a season that saw us secure the second spot just 4 points behind Manchester United. That and the fact I haven't washed it for some time, but I digress. The ritualistic activity of wearing this kit as I sit down to write about the club I love, seems to percolate my creative juices even more, necessary when coping with a week of International play. 

  

Liverpool face a Stoke City fresh with new talent after a successful transfer window this coming weekend.  For the upcoming match I wouldn't expect to see any real changes to the line-up that  tormented Bolton on the final weekend of August. Suarez will most likely start up top supported by Dirk Kuyt, forcing Andy Carroll to sit, due to his lack of form. Just this last week international manage Fabio Capello has called out the 35 Million pound striker for his drinking habits and off field antics. Saying " He needs to be careful because he's an important player for England and Liverpool, If he wants to be a good player and a good sportsman, he needs to drink less than the others." A move of intent from the often soft England manager, made a statement by not selecting him at all for their recent game against Bulgaria. In all honesty Carroll does not warrant a place on the England bench as he has been less than mediocre when vying on the Anfield pitch, so the inclusion in the squad ageist Wales was a surprise to me. Oh but it's all good because  JT has come out to praise struggling Carroll, saying " I've been there, and have made my mistakes." The model professional that is John Terry recognizes the difficulty that some one at Carroll's tender age has in focusing on his job, with all the perks of being a professional footballer. I say  Grow-Up. Earn your price tag Andy! When bought for that amount you owe it to your club to train hard and devote yourself entirely.  If he can't cope with the distractions of being a professional footballer, dislodging his head from his shoulders, then he deserves his place on the bench. As a fan I remain unconvinced  and wait to see him prove his worth. 

As Carroll struggles to fit into the renaissance happening under King Kenny, fellow new-boy Stewart Downing has been a stroke of inventiveness on the wing, shining  In England's match against Wales yesterday, setting up Ashley Young's 35th minute goal. Carroll must seek guidance from fellow England International and level his head. I want to bring up a few of Carroll's potential high and low lights in the Red of Liverpool. so in his best interest I will rely on the solid bedrock of the old Pros and Cons.  This segment will be known as SpotKick's "Carroll" - oscopy:

PROS:

Strong build and height adds a powerful presence up-top, allowing for surrounding players to run on to knock downs and head-ons. Theoretically Carroll should be a huge target for Reina's cosmic kicks, but this has yet to be successful.

Aggression: simply fearless in the box, making more than 50% of headers his when present, body checks and an unbridled desire to win.

Powerful left foot shot shown in his debut v. Man City last year thundering one past Joe Hart in Liverpools  convincing win.

He's young. Really a pro and a con.  A Pro for the massive promise for club and country, with plenty room to get even better. A Con in all the things that come with youth. Drinking, partying, not focusing on fitness…you name it.

CONS: 

When Carroll is on the pitch he changes the way that Liverpool play,  which is something you hope of any player, but in the case of Carroll it's for the worse. Being a target man, he dosent really fit into the fluid-tivity of Liverpool's attack headed by Suarez. Everyone is moving with  Downing swapping wings with Henderson or Kuyt, Carroll's position tends to get lost in the middle.

Liverpool tend to play long ball when Carroll is playing, which is not in their nature and in what I have seen doesn't work well at all.

Kuyt has looked fantastic linking up with Suarez, so the addition of Carroll pushes Kuyt out to the wing, restricting this link up. A player with the engine of the Dutch workhorse can motor all over the place so he will not get lost, but the link up Suarez and Carroll is yet to be determined.

Along with my last point the combination of Big man, Small man has been a tried and true formula for success from Di Stefano and Puskas to the most apparent Ian Rush and Kenny Dalgleish in the 1980's. This clear link should not build a false sense of hope for Liverpool fans, for the Suarez- Carroll partnership is promising but to bet your house on it mirroring the fore-mentioned ones would be unwise.

Carroll has been struggling with fitness so there is a bit of ambiguity in assessing his impact, but It just seems that the team is much more creative with Suarez as the focal point in attack.

Continuing to look froward in the business sense Liverpool's director of football Damien Comolli has been mustering up a deal with Uruguayan side Nacional, after recognizing the talent abundant in Uruguay. In my last Liver n' Onions post I addressed the signing of defender Sebastian Coates from Nacional, the first example of this deal in action so to speak. Liverpool are looking to establish a partnership offer the next 4 of 5 years, growing the sides academy and developing footballing standards, giving Liverpool the pick of the bunch in signing some.  The Merseyside club now has two players from the Nacional academy, in Coates and Suarez making Liverpool that much more of an attractive destination for Uruguayans to apply their trade. 

Next week I will preview the return of skipper Stevie G ( - insert Darth Vader Theme here- ) as he targets the game against Tottenham to mark his return. 

Thanks to Alan Duffy@ Who ate all the pies for Capello quotes.