I have to be honest and say I disagree.
He had potential when he first arrived but has gone backwards since. Too light weighted, for all that fancy footwork, hardly see him beat a man, lack pace (and I think he was known for his pace) and doesn't look like he is committed enough in the sport, and especially to the club. Also too greedy. I don't mind strikers being greedy because that's how more goals are scored but if you have missed like 5 clear cut chances, the least you could do is at not steal someone else's chance. At 22, how much more can he improve..
At 22, Carroll has shown that he has potential and he has been causing defenders problem with his aerial prowness since 18 or so. Flanagan and Kelly, at 18 and 20, have shown that they can be relied on when called upon. Jonjo Shelvey himself looked like a seasoned professional. Also can probably take a look at Owen and Gerrard when they first broke through. Maybe even Suarez, who was hitting it off at Ajax.
I know Carroll, Flanagan, Kelly, Shelvey and N'gog are not the same people but usually, when a player looks like he's going to make it at the big stage, he would have shown it since a younger age. I just don't think he can improve and he has been in England for 3 years.
Fair enough, he hasn't got a run of games under Kenny but I guess it is pretty obvious he isn't exactly rated and he has failed to impress me in his games.
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