7 MLS Forwards Who Could Replace Andy Carroll

I'm still not sold on Andy Carroll.

For me, it's far too little far too late.

In the midst of transfer rumors—and even whisperings of Carroll leaving on loan—the tall Liverpool frontman has picked up his work rate, but like I said:

Far too little, far too late.

Kenny Dalglish has stood behind Carroll from the beginning, but many fans are fed up. Perhaps Dalglish should follow an increasingly popular trend in the Premier League: looking to MLS.

Stuart Holden, Eric Lichaj and Tim Ream are the most recent MLS products playing in the Premier League and have enjoyed relatively successful seasons. An MLS striker could well indeed be the answer to the problem that Andy Carroll has become—at the third of the price of someone like Edinson Cavani.

And before the commenters and football purists start ripping me apart, I am fully aware that MLS is light years behind the EPL in terms of talent.

This is written more for entertainment purposes. Enjoy!

Here are seven forwards in MLS that could replace Andy Carroll.

Saer Sene, New England Revolution

The Bayern Munich youth product would allow Liverpool to utilize their “pass-and-move” philosophy due to the fact that Sène can actually hold the ball up top as the lone striker.

He is also a strong threat in the air, where he would benefit from the service of Steven Gerrard and actually score goals. He knows how to play against strong opposition, having scored a goal against AC Milan in the Audi Cup in 2009.

His two goals and one assist for the Revs this season are not indicative of how he impacts an offense. He is constantly the offensive catalyst, and Liverpool would be able to effectively use him to play between Gerrard and Suarez.

Kei Kamara and C.J. Sapong, Sporting Kansas City

Until recently, SKC were undefeated through seven games, and it was largely due to the deadly strike force of Kei Kamara and C.J. Sapong.

The two of them display an almost telepathic understanding up top. They have combined for seven goals in eight games.

With Sapong developing and Kamara at his peak, these two could fit well into Kenny Dalglish’s side.

Robbie Keane, Los Angeles Galaxy

That's right.

I think ol' Robbie deserves another chance.

When he signed with Liverpool back in 2008, I was really excited. He was coming off an extremely successful stint with Tottenham in which he scored 82 goals over 197 games.

Six months later, he has only scored five times in 19 games with the Reds, and his Liverpool career was over and considered a flop.

I blame inconsistent starts from Rafa Benitez and failure to fit into Benitez's system. I think he would figure much more comfortably into Kenny Dalglish's side in which the middle of the park is the focal point. Having Suarez make alternating runs with Keane through the middle of the pitch and in-and-around the penalty area is something Suarez can't do with Andy Carroll.

And let’s face it: The guy can score. The only season in his career in which he didn’t score was a failed stint with Inter back in 2000.

As the leading scorer on a Galaxy team that includes David Beckham and Landon Donovan, I think it could be time to give Robbie another chance.

Kenny Cooper, New York Red Bulls

Kenny Cooper is a tank.

He is big, powerful and a natural goal scorer. He is a bit of a journeyman, with clubs either not realizing his skill or not being able to hold onto him, but as a Manchester United youth product, he knows how the English game works.

Liverpool needs a striker who is strong but can handle the ball at his feet. Kenny Cooper fits that bill and would provide an interesting partnership with Luis Suarez.  

Chris Wondolowski, San Jose Earthquakes

Wondo has been the bright star of a fading Quakes team for the past few seasons.

He has had back-to-back double-digit goal scoring seasons. This year looks to be no different: he already has eight goals in eight games, sitting atop the scoring charts.

He is the poor man’s Luis Suarez: speedy, tricky and able to tear a defense apart. The only problem is that he is pushing 30.

Tell that to Ryan Giggs.

Fredy Montero, Seattle Sounders

Fredy was an instant hit when he arrived in Seattle for the club’s inaugural season, creating and scoring goals at will. His production has more or less stayed at the same pace since then, so it would be interesting to see him play alongside the likes of Suarez and Stevie G. against the EPL’s top defenses.

I could see him being utilized as a second forward between the midfield and Suarez, due to his comfort with, and awareness on, the ball.