Andy Carroll’s thundering header for England at Euro 2012 against Ukraine was an example of the upside to the 23-year-old’s game. But is it enough to spark interest from more than just West Ham in the Premier League?
Andy Carroll’s move to Liverpool never really seemed to sit right. His Premier League experience amounted to less than a season, and the transfer fee spent by the Anfield side was well above what the striker was and will be worth. Difficult circumstances, certainly, but is it proof of a poor performer or should other clubs be looking to give Carroll a second chance?
There’s been nothing concrete to suggest Carroll would fit in with Brendan Rodgers’ philosophy at Liverpool. Rodgers would take him under his wing, of course, but the playing style may be too far removed from Carroll’s natural game.
He’s a powerful striker who’s able to lead the line, but his limitations, at least from what we’ve seen, do not point towards a striker who would thrive with the ball played on the deck. His performances toward the end of last season and at the Euros were promising, an indication that there is a good and potentially valuable player in there. But it’s clearly not enough to convince his current side to see out the next 12 months with him, at least.
Carroll’s ambition is clear: he wants European football, whether that’s at a previously unmentioned club or Newcastle. West Ham’s offer of an eight-year contract should have made him look twice, as I’m sure many others did, but he’s clearly not looking to commit to a club who have not had a stable short-term future in recent years.
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But is a club like West Ham the best that Carroll can hope for at the moment? There’s no doubt that the manager in place would get the best out of him, as Sam Allardyce’s style of play is suited to a big man up top. And with West Ham willing to invest so much in him, Carroll would possibly have the luxury of the club building the rest of the team around him and his strengths.
Newcastle have something very positive going on at the moment, much of which was built on the sale of Carroll to Liverpool. Their work ethic and available strikers (Demba Ba’s future is still unclear) would point towards a much smaller role than Carroll had before. However, despite Carroll fancying a pre-game drink or 10, there has been proof of a determined player when he’s in the mood.
And that’s the main concern: is there any club besides West Ham who would make Carroll feel wanted and motivated.
Should Tottenham have a look? Again, I’m sure Andre Villas-Boas’ on-field vision will work against a player like Carroll, but a club playing at that level is not a completely ludicrous idea for Carroll. A similar £35 million fee, however, would be. Although I doubt there are any clubs looking to make that mistake.
There was promise for Carroll in the recent past. He was seen as the long-term partner for Wayne Rooney in the England setup, and he has shown that he’s capable of finding the net from outside the penalty area.
Carroll is far from an elegant player, but he’s also far from useless. His time at Liverpool has been one where everyone other than Liverpool fans are waiting and hoping for a mistake or poor performance from the striker. Everyone knew that £35 million was beyond ridiculous, but it was just necessary to hammer it home a few more times.
Away from that, Carroll could still prove to be a good player. A target man who will do well with the right service. And although many clubs want to replicate the successes of the Spanish, there will be teams who are more suited to Carroll’s ability on the pitch.
