Some say the 23-year-old needed a run of starts to show what he can do. Carroll has been a busy man since Christmas, starting eight of LFC’s 11 games. But the goals have not followed his uptick in playing time.
However, there are some encouraging signs. His last three appearances have seen him score one goal and assist on two others. His all-around game has shown improvement as well. That trend could continue, now that Luis Suarez and Steve Gerrard are back in action.
The three have played only 69 minutes together so far this season. Gerrard, also known as “The King of Assists”, has not had the chance to form an understanding in the final third with the strike-force Liverpool signed just over a year ago.
Carroll often plays as a lone striker, tasked with leading the Reds’ attack on his own. Other times, he has played with a rotation of partners, including veterans Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt. If Carroll plays a few games in succession alongside Suarez, and has Gerrard provides the service, chances are he could build on his season tally of five goals — quickly.
What do you think?
Is Andy Carroll verging on goal explosion?
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