Liverpool FC: Reasons Why Letting Andy Carroll Leave Anfield Would Be a Mistake

It's been over a year since Andy Carroll walked through the Anfield gates holding above his head a British transfer fee world record. Since then, Carroll has been both applauded and criticised following performances in a red shirt. It has to be said that fans are yet to decide whether to maintain or drop the faith in Liverpool's new No. 9.

Personally, I am a huge believer in Andy Carroll. For those of you aren't, take a look at these reasons why Liverpool and their fanbase would be best advised to keep "Big Andy" as a red.

It's hard to believe that Andy Carroll is still only 23 years old.

Carroll has yet to refind his best form, but he does have a huge advantage in time. Potentially Carroll could be part of the Liverpool line-up for another 10 years. This means, potentially, Andy Carroll has 10 years to go on a goal-scoring streak that would repay his transfer fee, and maybe, just maybe, turn Andy Carroll into Liverpool's next great No. 9.

Time is on Andy's side.

It was ultimatley Fernando Torres' sudden departure that paved the way for Carroll to walk into Anfield, and both have had similarly slow starts to their lives at new clubs. But what if you where to compare them?

Before I give you some stats to dig in to, let me first make it clear that I am not saying Torres and Carroll are similar players, or one is better than the other. This is merely a factual factfile concerning their performances in the Premier League this season:

Goals:

Andy Carroll: 3

Fernando Torres: 2

Conversion rate:

Andy Carroll: 6.5%

Fernando Torres: 5.9%

Shooting Accuracy:

Andy Carroll: 39.1%

Fernando Torres: 35.3%

Minutes per Goal:

Andy Carroll: 448.7

Fernando Torres: 612.5

Chances Created:

Andy Carroll: 21

Fernando Torres: 17

So, by all accounts, Liverpool's current No. 9 is enjoying life in front of goal more than our former.

Carroll's poor start to life in red has been extremely well documented. Chants of "What a waste of money!" somehat typify pundits' and rival fans' opinion on the forward. However, with the return of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, Carroll's form has much improved. Indeed, he has picked up a fair few MVP awards, showing he is on the road to success.

He has looked more energetic, eager and proud to play in Liverpool red recently, and some decent performances of late have been the outcome.

One of Liverpool's problems has been the lack of a solid platform to build on in terms of formation. This formation, in my opinion, should be a 4-2-3-1.

The back four, with Reina in goal, picks itself as Johnson, Skrtel, Agger and Enrique. Ahead of him, Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard should play defensive roles with the latter given a slightly looser role. On the wings, Downing on the left, with Bellamy on the right would suit me best, with Suarez supporting Carroll up front.

This would play to Liverpool's strength's as Gerrard and Suarez would be able to link up, and Downing and Bellamy could provide crosses for Big Andy.

"You'll Never Walk Alone."

Remember those words? I am directing these words to those who constantly criticise Carroll and recently Kenny Dalglish after a slump.

Liverpool represent unity. Selling Carroll would indicate that Carroll had been left alone, and sold. This is not the impression Liverpool want to portray.

Those reasons should make you think twice about selling Carroll.

On a side note, as I said before, support the club, support Dalgish and support Carroll.