Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has stated that he never had any doubts about £35m signing Andy Carroll. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, he said:
“I think there is plenty of reason for excitement at Liverpool at the moment. With the youth development coming on really well, with the new owners looking like they are set for some big business this summer, and with the two new lads up front, there is lots of cause for optimism.
And as for those two new lads – well I think that’s as good a piece of business as you will see. It was great for Andy Carroll to get his first goals for the club.
I genuinely cannot believe the naivety of some so-called pundits who have been doubting his ability, and writing him off before he has even settled in at Anfield. Trust me, I’ve been saying it for months, this lad is the business. He is what the side has lacked for the past couple of years, and he will take us towards where we need to be, I’m sure of it.
His first goal was superb, but for me, the second goal sums up what he brings to the game. That’s the kind of cross Liverpool need to be producing for him, week-in week-out. If they give him service like that, he will take those chances all day long.
It was a great jump, and deserved a goal. And with Luis Suarez and Dirk Kuyt – who I think had his best game of the season – supporting, there is a real energy to the attack. Kuyt has his critics, but I can’t believe anyone would doubt him. He is a real Liverpool player, and runs himself into the ground for the team. Of course we still need cover on the flanks; certainly the left side anyway.
That has been a problem for longer than most people can remember, but I’m sure it will be remedied by Kenny and the team this summer.”
Aldridge also praised Kenny Dalglish for the team spirit he has instilled into the team:
“Liverpool under Kenny have a real team spirit, and a togetherness that had been missing. And that is so important. Kenny is keeping the lads happy in the dressing room and at training, and it is reflected when they go out on the pitch.
It is no secret that the training regimes under the previous manager were very tedious, and that the players didn’t really respond to them, but Kenny has brought in a real top coach in Steve Clarke, and they are doing really well with those two running things. Kenny has done a fantastic job, and the place is so much happier from top to bottom. Long may it continue.”
