The sight of its players launching cross after cross in Andy Carroll‘s direction must have been as frustrating for the heavily scrutinized striker as it was for supporters.
Tuesday’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City was the first of an eight-game ban Suarez must serve after it was determined that he racially abused Patrice Evra. Although the task of creating scoring chances has been spread throughout the team in his absence, Carroll’s head has undoubtedly become the preferred destination of Liverpool’s forward adventures. The Reds “pass and move” the ball into wide areas and entrust those players to deliver crosses to the big man’s head.
It’s unlikely that approach will pay off against Premier League opposition. Opponents tend to sit deep in defense against the pass-happy Reds, and defenders at that level are drilled in the art of defending the cross.
Carroll’s anticipation and positional sense around the goal are not where they need to be in order to consistently turn that service into scoring chances. Also, he has too often been found isolated against multiple defenders when the delivery arrives.
The 22-year-old is only three (goalless) games into his latest exam, and Kenny Dalglish has said a run of games is what he needs to reach his best. But making him the focal point of the Liverpool attack before he finds his form further highlights his shortcomings. His critics could grow in number and volume, undermining the young man’s confidence at a crucial moment in his career.
Dalglish refuses to change the team’s principles or style of play when key players miss games. That means LFC will look to control possession and find its forwards in positions close to its opponents’ goal.
A slight change in Liverpool’s approach could provide Carroll with the support he needs and lift some of the burden from his shoulders. Steve Gerrard‘s mere presence in the team gives Liverpool someone who can make a direct (forward) and accurate pass forward from anywhere on the field. He should immediately assume the playmaker role, especially in the final third, as his variety of ideas will keep opposing defenders guessing as to what will come next.
A more direct approach could play to Carroll’s strengths, as he enjoys running onto the ball and shooting from distance. His last goal — against West Brom on Oct. 29 — is just the type of goal he is used to scoring (or was in his Newcastle days).
Dalglish should also demand his wide players take the ball as close to the goal-line as possible before crossing it to Carroll. Winger Stewart Downing and fullbacks Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson have provided the majority of crosses his way, but they prefer to play them from 15-20 yards out instead of sending them in from deep.
Taking the ball to the goal-line stretches defenses, allows forwards move into good positions and makes it more difficult for goalkeepers to intercept these deliveries. Craig Bellamy does this effectively. If others won’t do so, the Liverpool manager may want explore the transfer market and find someone that will. Carroll is depending on it.
Review all the action from Tuesday’s game in our Liverpool Live blog.
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