A hole player generally looks to feed the number nine, Carroll simply isn't the kind of striker who is suited to playing on the shoulder of defenders and looking to run onto balls slipped through by a number ten the way Torres did.
Surely if you are looking for Gerrard to create chances for Carroll then he should be played wide right and told to whip the ball into the six yard box for Andy.
I can see a Gerrard- Carroll partnership working but for me it would be in reverse with Gerrard looking to feed off Andy's knockdowns the way Kev Nolan did at Newcastle. That then raises a couple of questions should we be looking to play in that way and does playing that way suit Suarez.
I agree with most of that. Especially the reverse.
For me, I've found that Carroll comes too deep to be involved in the build up. I think that if Gerrard was playing, he'd force Carroll higher up the pitch, and pick him out more for a one-two. Even though Torres had better pace than Carroll, Carroll looks more dangerous on the edge of the penalty area (long shots). He may be able to turn and shoot (with power) without being crowded out, if the presence of LS, SD and SG was there occupying defenders. Who knows?!
Remember, Heskey was berated by the media and some sections of the Liverpool fans, he didn't score enough, but he still did an important job for us. If Carroll can do the same and still provide a lot more goal threat, I think I will be happy.
I think Downing was bought for his crossing, as was Henderson. I personally wouldnt like to see Gerrard positioned right hand side, instead drift to whatever angle he see's beneficial to what he's about to do. If that is a cross, then so be it. If its a shot, he'd probably want to go central.
Its all guesswork at the moment for me. Lets just get both of them 100% fit first.
