West Brom boss Ismael reveals essential nature of Carroll signing
West Brom boss Valerien Ismael has opened up on the essential signing of Andy Carroll, as per the Express & Star.
The 33-year-old former England International was brought to the Hawthorns following the injury to Daryl Dike.
The Baggies needed someone to lead the line in the American international’s absence as they look to secure promotion.
“In the short-term, it is someone able to help us,” Ismael said. “Someone to have that impact.
“We saw in Dike’s first start against Peterborough he played 50 minutes and had five chances to score. You see how important it was to get that target man in the box.
“I think with Andy we have that. He has the experience and that can help us to get the power we need in the opponent’s box.
“He is a number nine, and this is the reason he is here, to score goals and to have an impact on the opponent’s defensive line.
“He will have an impact on the front three, impact in the opponent’s box, link-up, he has desire and leadership.”
Necessary
He is far from what he once was, but Carroll is the best possible alternative to injured Dike out there.
He was free and is playing on a short-term contract. Despite it being unlikely he will earn an extension; he will have that extra incentive to perform at the Hawthorns to earn one.
His short-term impact may even be greater than Dike’s. Against Peterborough the 21-year-old American had quite a few missed chances which is completely fine as he readjusts to English football and looks to get match sharp.
If these chances were missed when the result wasn’t so positive, it might’ve been a different story but undoubtedly Carroll would have buried one.
He will be an excellent fill-in for Dike who is set to be side-lined for 11 games but Carroll’s role in the team will still be important upon his return.
Dike can learn from such an experienced English professional and to help take his game to the next level.
He will also give Ismael the chance to gradually bring Dike back into the fold and offer him a rest bite through rotation. The pair should have all bases covered up top to see Albion promoted come the end of the season.
In other Baggies news, West Brom have ‘unstoppable’ striker on their hands in Carroll – Joseph Masi.