OPINION
The signing of Andy Carroll at Newcastle United would have raised many eyebrows in the Premier League.
Carroll has struggled for fitness in recent years, and in all honesty, has never managed to reach the heights he set himself when he first left the North East back in 2011.
At both Liverpool and West Ham, the towering centre-forward never seemed to get going – something which could suggest he can only perform when surrounded by his home comforts at his childhood club.
When at Newcastle, Carroll was untouchable and was involved in 54 goals – the most he has ever contributed too at a single club.
Despite playing 52 more games at West Ham, he was only involved in 51 goals – and missed 151 games in total through different injuries according to his Transfermarkt profile.
In true Carroll style, the forward signed for the Magpies on transfer deadline day with an injury and is still to make his second debut for the club.
There is something different in the air this time around for Carroll though, who admitted in an interview on Newcastle’s official club website that he is working harder than ever to be a success this season.
“I’ve grown up massively. I’ve realised my mistakes in the past, and realised what I want to be, and what I am,” he said.
“I’m working my ******** off to get fit and I was working my ******** off when I was injured as well. It’s non-stop.”
These comments only prove that Bruce needs to unleash the experienced striker when he is fully fit – with Carroll more than ready to make an impact once again in Tyneside.
Newcastle have been lacking a serious divide between their midfield and attack – with Joelinton struggling to carry the load expected of him when leading the line, with the Brazilian losing the ball six times per game on average through bad control [WhoScored].
Compare that to Carroll, who in his last five seasons has only averaged bad touches that lead to losing possession fewer than twice per game – proving his experience as a lone striker [WhoScored].
Bruce must unleash the determined Carroll once he is fully fit again, with the forward the player who could solve the major problem of his divide between midfield and attack and more importantly take a huge load off the shoulders of Joelinton.
