I find it amazing, that only two games into the new season that Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson seem to be getting a lot of criticism that I find totally unfair.
Jordan Henderson has just moved from his boyhood team Sunderland during the summer, Liverpool spent a lot of money on the youngster and this obviously adds to the expectations of the supporters, who are expecting an instant impact from the club’s investment.
We have to remember that Henderson is still a youngster and with no disrespect to Sunderland, Jordan has moved to a bigger club with bigger expectations. He has also found himself played out of position on the right side of midfield due to the competition for places in the middle of midfield.
I personally think Henderson has played well on the right side of midfield he is playing in a position where you can be out of the game for long spells compared to playing in the middle you are more involved. He is not a Downing type player who is going to dribble past two or three players, and maybe with the way Downing has started his career at Liverpool is adding pressure on him with the supporters expecting the same type of performance from Henderson on the other flank.
Jordan has worked really hard in the games he has played and his strong runs forward have been impressive, some people thought that he left Flanagan a bit exposed in the Sunderland match, but we have to remember that it was such a big game for him, and especially against his old club.
I hope Henderson gets a run in the team to prove himself as I think he will be a great asset to the team. It will be difficult for him to stay in the team with the competition for places, but I think Kenny will give him a fair crack of the whip, especially after spending so much money on him.
Like Henderson, Andy Carroll has been getting some stick from sections of the Anfield faithful. Carroll has been at the club a bit longer but he is still early into his Liverpool career due to his lengthy injury spell on the side lines.
The massive price tag doesn’t help Carroll either as he settles into his new club. Last season was a stop start season for him and he never really looked fully fit. But with Carroll having a full pre-season behind him, I’m sure we will see the real Andy Carroll soon.
Liverpool’s summer signings will only help Carroll and his style of play, with Adam and Downing supplying the ammunition, not to forget Gerrard’s return to the team soon. I’m sure the goals will start to come.
Carroll has looked sharp in pre-season and bagged a few goals too. Last week against Sunderland I felt he was harshly done out of a goal when the referee’s assistant ruled out his great strike.
Then on Saturday I felt he worked very hard for the team, without much joy as he was mostly isolated on his own. He was unlucky with a headed effort that was saved and he created a good chance for Kelly.
With Carroll being a striker his goals coring record is what the supporters are going to look at so the sooner he starts scoring the better for the big man, but like I say, with the creative players we now have in the team I’m sure the goals will come.
But it has been disappointing to hear some supporters’ discontent so early in the season regarding these two players. It is far too early to judge players and we have to show patience towards the team. Getting on players backs will not help anybody and we need to show why we are the best supporters in the world.
Good luck Jordan and Andy from the best supporters in the world.
YNWA
written by Jamie McLaughlin website at www.anfieldnews.com