Full article - http://www.givemefootball.com/CMSTemplates/GMF/Editorial.aspx?aliaspath=%2fpremier-league%2fliverpool-no-9-could-learn-from-crouch
From my vantage point at Wembley, I was able to get a birds eye view of "Sweet Carroll Nine", and the Liverpool man did not disappoint.
Capello gave Carroll precedence over Peter Crouch, 42 caps, 22 goals, and Darren Bent, who has struck three in his last three games. The Anfield man produced the goods, an unstoppable low drive securing his first England goal during the 1-1 draw with Ghana.
Staying on the international front, Ashley Young's performances against Wales and the Ghanaians will ultimately rocket his transfer value. This, coupled with a summer bidding war between Premiership giants could see an astronomical figure demanded by Lerner's money men - much more than the £20 million Liverpool are prepared to pay Villa.
I also enjoyed watching Matt Jarvis – another Dalglish target. As a second half sub Jarvis provided glimpses of neat and effective wing play. He hugs the touchline, likes to beat the man, and has pinpoint crosses. Jarvis is a team man and the procurement of the Wolves star would be a good purchase.
With match fitness and recuperation top of the agenda it was vital that Carroll notched up on field minutes and he got that against an outstanding Ghana team. Despite not being fully fit the jolly Red Giant showed enough class to cement the wide held belief that he is half of the most potent attacking partnership in the Premiership.
Brutish, with a good touch, hard as nails, with the ability to link the play, Carroll is able to offer an aerial and ground offensive as and when required.
Although I believe Peter Crouch gets a raw deal, what with his aerial, technical, and goals per international games record, it is argued that Carroll is a more refined and complete version of the big man. And it is the Anfield Gargantuan's potential which is what his managers and coaches are banking on.
Carroll can learn much from Peter Crouch about positional and link up play. They may even get an opportunity to start together up front at some stage in the future.
Carroll will also revel in Fabio Capello's new found belief in 4-3-3 – a system that encourages and promotes a more fluid brand of football. On the downside, Capello has warned Carroll to "drink less," whilst King Kenny believes his record acquisition is "focussed on his football."
Speaking to Sky Sports Dalglish said: "Well he's never bought me a drink, I've been with him at Boyzone concerts and he's still never bought me a drink!
"Andy Carroll knows what is required of Andy Carroll, and he's done fantastically well getting back to where he has, with his application and dedication."
Prior to Liverpool's visit to the Hawthorns, Scott Carson had warned his team mates of the Carroll factor. Liverpool and Carroll looked ordinary against Roy Hodgson's Baggies.
I've come across soundbites from Steven Gerrard who has spoken about Carroll adding an extra dimension to Liverpool's attack. Most fans will agree as he has an amazing partner in Suarez, and so long as hoofing the ball long does not become game plan A.
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