Liverpool's new £35 million man is a bruising 6'3" forward with a reputation for scoring big goals...and getting into big trouble. With his profile getting significantly higher after a move from St. James' Park to Anfield, we've got the lowdown on what you may not know about 'Pool's replacement for Fernando Torres...
1) HE USED TO ROCK CORNROWS. Like this. We figure that's pretty important to know off-top.
2) HE'S GOT A REP FOR TROUBLE. In fact, Andy makes Wayne Rooney seem like a choirboy. In addition to domestic-assault charges on a lingerie model, nightclub fracases, and an (alleged) drug-fueled orgy, Carroll reportedly broke the jaw of then-teammate Steven Taylor after discovering texts sent between Taylor and Carroll's ex-girlfriend. Where did Carroll show off his bandaged post-fight hands? At a 50 Cent concert, of course. This dude ain't playin', clearly.
3) HE'S A CLASSIC #9. Carroll was pegged for stardom as a teenager with Newcastle, for whom he made his first appearance at age 17 in 2006. After a loan spell with Preston North End, Carroll returned to Newcastle and was the catalyst for their promotion to the Premier League last year, leading the team with 19 goals. At the start of the 2010-11 season, Carroll received the #9 shirt famously worn by Alan Shearer and scored 11 goals in 19 league appearances for the newly promoted Magpies. He's the prototypical English striker in that he is a beast in the air, has a wicked shot, and would never turn down a pint.
4) HE HAS YET TO MAKE AN IMPACT FOR ENGLAND. Here's one Wayne has over Andy. While Rooney was scoring at age 19 in the European Championships, Carroll only recently made his England senior debut at age 21 in a friendly last November. He didn't impress. However, all signs point to Carroll getting plenty of chances to prove his international merit in the run-up to Euro 2012. A Shrek-A.C. strike partnership for the Three Lions? Sure beats Emile Heskey.
5) HIS VALUE HAS INCREASED 700% IN EIGHT MONTHS. It was just last May that Stoke City was reportedly angling to sign Carroll for £5 million. What a bargain that would have been. Carroll's rocket rise to stardom will be put to the test in Liverpool. Time will tell if he'll live up to his £35 million pricetag...
