I refer to the Arsenal game.
Our Strenghts:Carroll - Terrific young striker, tall, athletic, in the top 3 headers of the League, awesome left foot and already one of best strikers of the league(Holloway: 'Carroll is the best striker in the Premier League' and Kenny is not a fool). Give him 3 GOOD crosses and he scores 2
.
Suarez - ...... world class.
Our Left wing - Enrique and Downing convinced me totally, they have pace, skills and can cross superbly. Ideal for Carroll.
Our Central midfield is the strongest of the league.
Our weaknesses:Carroll - When we hoof and when our game becomes too obvious; pass to wingers and cross to Carroll who is lonely in the box. He's a terrific header but he's not Superman.
Suarez - when not fit we lack his spark, skills. Solution: maybe Downing
Referring to the game vs Bolton. When Carroll got in, it seemed that our game was no more fluid. Why? Carroll is not mobile as Suarez. He's a striker to whom you make a good pass in the box and he scores. Carroll needs someone to whom the passes are made and this player creates the goal opportunities by his runs, skills and passes. Carroll cannot do what Suarez does. Someone must do the creative job and he will score.
That's why I think one of Henderson, Mereiles or Gerrard impose himself as THE PLAYMAKER. When Suarez is not fit(touch wood) the play-maker dictates the game, makes through balls, scores etc
This also liberates Carroll from marking and he can score goals at ease.
Carroll is also a very good scorer with his feet(mainly the left one).
Gerrard is at the moment injured like Meireles. Henderson must step up in this role since he has all the ability and potential to do it. Adam is too slow and has not enough skills. Suarez must not be given this role he's a too good striker to give him this role. The fact is that actually when Gerrard and Mereiles are not playing we lack a leader in the midfield, someone to whom the teammates can pass the ball without doubting his ability(Aquilani
).
Reina
Johnson* CB CB Enrique
Lucas Adam
Suarez AM* Downing
Carroll
* Johnson because he can go forward faster and cross better than Kelly. Although Kelly is a better defender, Johnson has experience and is often decisive. Kelly will play much due to Johnson's injuries. Suarez plays the Messi role.
*Henderson, Mereiles or Gerrard
