Round-Table Debate: Suarez V Carroll: Who Will Make Biggest Impact at Liverpool?

31st of January 2011 will always be remembered in Liverpool FC history.

As the Merseyside club broke two records on the transfer deadline day to sign Andy Carroll from Newcastle Utd for a mind blowing £35 million and Luis Suarez from Ajax for a £23 million. In doing so, though, they saw their favorite son Fernando Torres depart for a £50 million.

After all the initial fuss about £35 million fee's credentials, finally we might see the tall Englishman on the pitch at Anfield against Manchester United this Sunday.

Suarez and Carroll definitely represent better, younger, attacking options than that of a lone Fernando Torres. Here is a debate about who will make a bigger impact on Liverpool as long as they stay at the club.

The participants:

Callum D'Souza: The Arsenal Featured Columnist and World Football FC is one of the most respected and widely followed writers on Bleacher Report. The fan base of this person just keeps growing every single day.

Karl Matchett: Liverpool Featured Columnist and a writer who always provides an in-depth thoughts in his articles. Karl is widely respected and an honorable person who provides a different view on football subjects. Karl always represent a local view on Liverpool and the premier league. 

Saura Bhattacharjee: Saura is one of the most famous writers on Bleacher Report. He is a passionate Chelsea supporter, writer and Featured Columnist and provides a wide variety of views on everything he writes.

Alex Baker: Alex is a dedicated writer and Ajax supporter. The writer who believes in qualities all around and writes beautiful stuff about Ajax, Barcelona FC and Arsenal.

Vijay Murali: The Arsenal Featured Columnist who also writes about Cricket on B/R. Vijay's articles always have a lot of contents to follow through. A very "driven-by-passion with sense" writer.

Nabeel Khokhar: One of the few writers on B/R who are always there to help you out. The Liverpool Featured Columnist is widely respected for his views on matters other than the obvious ones. Nabeel writes about Liverpool's forgotten affairs many a times which readers do not get to read from elsewhere.

Jai Joshi: A life-long Liverpool supporter who writes things about Liverpool, mainly. The writer likes to get involved in constructive debates with rival fans and writers in a healthy way.  

I would like to thank all the above mentioned writers for taking their time out of busy life and providing their views on the debate questions.

Special thanks to Nabeel for helping out with the article and being a mentor for creating this debate.

Hope you will all enjoy their views and provide your own too.

1. Who Repersents Best Value for Money?

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: Luis Suarez of Liverpool leaves the pitch after the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground on February 27, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Callum D'Souza:

Suarez looks to be the better value for money. Granted the imposing Carroll boasts sufficient experience in the Premier League and can cope with the physicality and pace, alongside being younger. But Suarez is and has been a terrific talent who can lead a team whilst tormenting defenses.

Karl Matchett:

For immediate impact i think Suarez has to be the best value now – partly because Carroll is injured obviously, and also because he is already a forward who has played at an extremely high level for a number of seasons.

Finding the net on his debut was a big thing for Luis as it can weigh on a striker’s mind if they don’t get off to a good goalscoring start. Having said that, I imagine by the end of the season both Carroll and Suarez will have scored a fair few goals apiece and can start to form a partnership.

Saura Bhattacharjee:

Luis Suarez is the better investment.

Alex Baker:

I think Suarez represents the best value for money at the moment but Carroll may have more potential in the future.

Vijay Murali:

Suarez obviously represents good value for money and at only 24 years of age, he is an excellent investment by Liverpool FC considering he is already one of the best strikers in Europe.

Carroll was undoubtedly a shock signing at 35 million but as the owners admitted later, his price was decided by the amount that Chelsea were prepared to pay for Fernando Torres. He is still only 22 and though he seems to have a few disciplinary problems, he has a bright future ahead of him.

One must remember that even Robin van Persie had disciplinary issues when he was young but under the proper guidance of Wenger, he has become a leader for the Gunners.

Nabeel Khokhar:

Well with transfer fees of £23m and £35m for Suarez and Carroll respectively, value for money will become a major talking point.

But does it represent value for money at £23m and £35m….if they score, provide and LFC win silverware, then yes. The club and fans will soon forget the money. Also what is key here is that LFC are buying young players that are NOT at the top of their game yet. They have bought potential and possibly the best potential out there.

Carroll is the hottest English striker since Alan Shearer and he will improve, he is not the finished product by a long way. Under the guidance of the staff at LFC we will see Carroll develop into a lethal and feared striker.

He also adds power and aerial threat that Liverpool have not had since the days of Toshack. It give the manager all sorts of options. LFC do not score enough goals from set pieces or corners. Soto is the only real threat at set pieces. Carroll will open this avenue for goals where LFC have not had much in the past.

All in all Carroll is the future of, not only LFC, but also of England when it comes to strikers. So added to that fact that he is still not the finished product, if his potential is achieved he will be worth far more than £35m in the market and also in terms of silverware.

Look at what has happened in the past……Man U bought the then hottest English talent from Everton for a whopping £25.6m in 7 years ago! Rooney’s record for Everton was 15 goals in 67 appearances, hardly amazing and he was 18 years old. But they paid for the potential, not the past. They also paid (in the end) a staggering £33m for a 24 year old defender from Leeds called Rio Ferndinand, not coz he was the best in the world but he had the potential to be.

In Carroll Liverpool are doing what is a must, buy the potential talent before someone else does.

Suarez is a little cheaper but still a packet at £28m. But this guy has real flair and skill. I don't think we have seen the likes of his kind at Anfield is too long. He has guile, pace, skill, technique and goals. This is the man to fill the No.7 shirt for us.

He will put our play into another technical level. Also he has the ability to produce something out of nothing, he is a match winner and every top team needs as many of these as possible. He can turn a game in an instant, with a pass, shot or trick. So at £28m, he is also a good buy.

Both Carroll and Suarez are by no means bargains, but in this day and age of spiralling transfer fees they are not far off the mark that LFC would have to pay for top quality.

Jai Joshi:

Looking in the near future, Suarez is the best deal when it comes to transfer fees and their relative values.

However, I believe Suarez will not be a Liverpool player for a longer time frame then Carroll and for that reason, Carroll will provide a better value for money in long future.

2. Longevity at the Club.

Christopher Lee/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: NESV Principal Owner John Henry (R) and NESV Chairman Thomas Werner talk to the media during the New Liverpool owners Media Round Table at myhotel on November 5, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Ima

Callum D'Souza:

I think neither will use Liverpool as a stepping stone and both are here for the long run. Due to his nationality, one is inclined to believe Carroll will be slightly more loyal but Liverpool looms the place to be for Suarez now that Fernando Torres has departed.

Karl Matchett: 

I think both players will stay at Liverpool for a minimum of four years. Obviously long term depends on many things, not least of all who the permanent manager is come summer, but I think we have a good chance of seeing Liverpool’s new number 7 and 9 playing alongside each other for a good few years to come.

Saura Bhattacharjee:

Suarez. He was excited and interested to join Liverpool and hence will have more willingness to stay at Anfield for a long time. But Carroll can exploit his opportunity to move to a bigger club.

Alex Baker:

Whatever else you want to say about him, Suarez has demonstrated loyalty in the past. He stayed at Ajax longer than many sensible people thought he would. I could see him doing the same with Liverpool, same with Carroll actually, who didn't’t even really want to leave Newcastle.

Vijay Murali:

Longevity is something which cannot be guaranteed by both strikers if Liverpool do not take part in the CL within the next two seasons. Under Kenny Dalglish, it is likely that Carroll will be more loyal if Kenny can develop an understanding with the lad like Chris Hughton did.

Nabeel Khokhar: 

Andy Carroll is English and it is probably likely that he will not see Liverpool as a stepping stone to anywhere else. Liverpool are one of the top teams in England and Europe to play for and so for an Englishman, it will probably be a place where you might not get better than.

But Suarez is Uruguayan and although LFC is a huge club worldwide, he probably has an idea that the likes of Barca and Real are the giants of the game and maybe there is an interest from him to pull on one of these shirts in the future.

I think that we will get good service from both of them, but I probably see Carroll being at the club longer than Suarez.

But for both of them, it will depend on if they perform and LFC wins things. If neither happens then we will probably see both leaving in the coming years.

If LFC are challenging and winning things then both will stay for a long time.

Jai Joshi:

Carroll will provide more years to service the club then Suarez will. Carroll is two years younger and English. Suarez might use Liverpool as a stepping stone to other clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid. 

Although Suarez represents a better value for money right now, I could foresee bigger things waiting for Suarez than Liverpool.

Liverpool will make Suarez a bigger star just the way they did with Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Xavier Mascherano. And when the right time comes, Suarez will pack his bags for the ultimate departure. However, the way he might leave Liverpool in 3 years time will be highly respectable just the way he left Ajax.

3. Goals and Assists.

Callum D'Souza:

I think Suarez will both score and provide more goals as the 24 year old offers so much with pace, strength, skill.

Karl Matchett:

This season, I suspect Suarez will score more and create more. Though he will only feature in League games whereas Carroll can play in the Europa League. Carroll has been injured for a couple of months and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him pick up another niggle upon his return; players coming back from injury quite often take another knock easily which sets them back a couple of weeks.

Next season I think Suarez will be one of the highest scoring players in the Premiership, and Carroll will create more.

Saura Bhattacharjee:

It will surely be Suarez again. Carroll is not going to shine much according to me. He might crumble under the pressure.

Alex Baker:

Suarez will score more goals, Carroll will provide more assists. Suarez has a striker’s ego which means he wants to be the closer. Carroll seems a little more of a team player.

Vijay Murali:

Though Carroll has scored decent amount of goals this season for Newcastle, Suarez seems to be the safer bet regarding goals considering he is a prolific striker and his first instinct is to shoot. Also, Liverpool FC do not have many quality wingers because of which Carroll’s aerial prowess will be limited. I think Carroll will have more assists if he can develop good understanding with Suarez who will benefit from the Englishman’s knock-downs.

Nabeel Khokhar: 

I think that this is a tough one as both players are going to score and also provide for others.

Suarez, with his position just behind Carroll or on one of the flanks should provide for his team-mates. This season he has scored 8 times with 3 assists. In the previous season he scored 35 goals and 4 assists. And before that 22 goals 14 assists.

Suarez will score goals and provide assists.

Carroll in his time at Newcastle this season scored 11 goals and 3 assists. And in his previous season 19 goals and 8 assists.

I think that Carroll will probably score more goals but will be closely followed by Suarez. I think this as he is more used to the English game than Suarez. But Suarez will run him close.

I think Suarez will probably provide more assists due to the position he may play.

Jai Joshi: 

Carroll will score more goals and he will need to thank Suarez for the assists. Not to undermine Carroll's ability but he will score goals because of Suarez.

Suarez will score a lot of goals but he will provide more assists than goals. The form he has been showing in Eredivisie will be difficult to emulate in premier league.

Also, Carroll will be the spearhead of Liverpool's attack with Suarez being the second best.

4. Bigger Impact on-Field. ( Team Player V Selfishness, Defense, Motivating Etc)

Scott Heavey/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Steven Gerrard of Liverpool after the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on February 6, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)

Callum D'Souza:

The question is a tough one. Both will work tirelessly to provide the best for their team it’s akin to impossible to establish who will have a bigger impact.

Karl Matchett:

Both players should have an equally huge presence in all these roles. Suarez was (albeit for only a couple of hours!) Liverpool’s record signing and has already shown enormous energy and commitment during games, and Carroll’s aerial ability will be as useful in defense as attack.

I think both players will add up to make this Liverpool side a lot better all-round than previously.

Saura Bhattacharjee:

It is Suarez. Carroll is more of a finisher. He can score goals but nothing much more. Whereas Suarez is versatile and provides support all through the field. He is seems more inspired than his new colleague.

Alex Baker:

I think Carroll will have a bigger overall duty in helping the team on the field, tracking back, etc.

Vijay Murali:

Luis Suarez will have greater impact on the field considering that he has two quality midfielders, Meireles and Gerrard behind him who can supply him the through balls which can provide shooting opportunities.

He is undoubtedly more selfish than a player like Kuyt but LFC needs a striker like Suarez who always threatens to score.

From the little that we have seen of the Uruguayan, he seems keen to adapt to English football and has shown a desire to track back and start moves from the back. He is a character who has been controversial and it would not be a surprise if he gets involved in anything in England but the good thing is that he has never let it affect his on-field prowess.

Nabeel Khokhar: 

I think here we have to look at the past of Suaraz and Carroll. Carroll is a striker and will be selfish as he must to score and that is fine with me. I think he will track back, as if he did not already this is something the Kenny will drill into him as it is the Liverpool way for strikers to act.

I think also that Carroll will have a role to play in defense particularly in set pieces and corners. Also he will be the out ball from defense after the attack is dealt with.

His personality is such that he will inspire those around him through example, he is big and aggressive and confident and has an air about him, so he will be an influence on the pitch.

Suarez was captain of Ajax before he left and that says it all. To be given the responsibility to lead a team of that calibre at his young age illustrates the esteem that he is held in.

I think we will see Suarez’s influence on the pitch grow as he becomes more integrated into the team and as they play more and more together. I have a feeling he will take over the responsibilities for free kicks around the area.

Communications with other team mates could be an issue but I think he will adapt fast and he leadership skills will come to the fore.

Jai Joshi:

Suarez will provide a much bigger impact on the field in every aspect bar out-scoring Carroll.

Suarez is a fighter, a "never take no for an answer" kind of a guy who will keep going until the final whistle is blown.

Suarez will not worry about his reputation. If denting his reputation (getting red card etc) provides a win to the Liverpool team, he'll not hesitate to do that. Also Suarez will play more role in tracking back and defending the ball. 

Carroll will be a bit selfish just like the typical No. 9 we had called Torres. Carroll might come good in defending set pieces but overall Suarez will out play him in every aspect other than scoring.

Suarez will provide a work-rate, commitment and overall biggest impact on the game perhaps the way Steven Gerrard has been doing for years now.

5. Bigger Impact off-Field. (Merchandice, PR, Connecting with Fans and Manager)

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Liverpool fans hold a banner showing their feelings towards Fernando Torres during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on February 6, 2011 in London, England. (Photo by Lauren

Callum D'Souza:

Likely Carroll due to his English nationality alongside he looms as a down to earth character but, putting the World Cup aside, most will grow to admire Suarez.

Karl Matchett:

 I expect Suarez shirts to outsell Carroll shirts, at least for the first year or so! If Carroll hits the goal trail in a big way, which he should, then he could become something of a cult hero at Anfield because he has all the attributes to batter defences and win games on his own.

Suarez has the mentality already though to connect with supporters as he did at Ajax, which is something Carroll will need to grow into – these aren’t his “local” fans any more. We know about his off-field issues and hopefully these are now in the past.

Saura Bhattacharjee:

It is gonna be Luis Suarez. Carroll is relatively young and unless he really delivers a blistering season Suarez will have the upper hand. Suarez is expected to fill the void left by Torres’ departure and he has the chance to becoming an Anfield legend.

Alex Baker:

I also think Carroll may prove to be more marketable than Suarez. Suarez is a top striker but he’s hard to like sometimes. Carroll seems to have more charisma and for what it’s worth, a cooler image.

Vijay Murali:

Andy Carroll who was signed by LFC for 35 million is more likely to have bigger impact in the near future but it is only a matter of time before Suarez finds his deadly goalscoring form. He could be as influential as Torres was for the club in the future and could have more impact than the Englishman.

Nabeel Khokhar: 

Suarez has been given the No.7 shirt, all LFC fans know what that means. This shirt will be sold in the 1000s with Suarez’s name on the back, he will provide a large source of revenue for the club in merchandising. Also in his home country Uruguay, Liverpool will become their adopted team and so we may see a whole new market opening up for merchandising there.

Connecting with Kenny will not be a problem but I am sure that Kenny will make all player feel that he is approachable and they shall feel they can learn from him.

The fans love Suarez already, he’s scored a well taken goal and had a great full debut. They are now finalising their song for the man, you cannot be more highly regarded by the fans than by having your own song! That says it all.

Carroll is our new No.9…..all those that had a shirt with Torres on the back with a No.9 (myself included) will be out looking for a new LFC shirt! So there will be a lot of new No.9 shirts being bought.

Carroll is English and therefore he has a huge marketing prospect, plus he is the hottest English striking prospect in ages and he is a Red! All this sells LFC merchandising for sure.

Carroll will be guided by Kenny and what a teacher to have! But as I said above Kenny will ensure that all the squad feel he is there for them.

As for the fans; this will come when he plays, if he to a flying start all the better, but he is for sure going to be a hero. Lets see if there will be an Andy Carroll song, I am sure there will be.

Too hard to say who will be the more successful in merchandising but probably Carroll.

Jai Joshi:

When it comes to selling shirts, Suarez will be beaten by Carroll.

But overall Suarez again will top in all other charts. Suarez will be worshiped more than Carroll.

Carroll will need to learn how to connect with the manager and the fans. As also we don't really cheer the players who get involved in street/ bar brawls every now and then.

Carroll will be more marketable only because he is English and hottest striker at the moment in England.

If Carroll can get through the early period of being centre of the stage quite easily then he'll be a cult hero at Liverpool. 

As I said earlier, Suarez will not be a Liverpool player long enough to make himself one of the greatest ever Liverpool player to have worn the No. 7. If he does remain at the club for the next 5 years or so then definitely he'll out cast every other Liverpool strikers of past.

Conclusion

It has been quite a journey to see the interesting and opposite answers and views from all the writers.

As it stands for now, seems that both, Suarez and Carroll, will have a close competition. Suarez tops in some areas and Carroll outshines him in the other.

I again thank all the writers for providing their views and it matters valuable for completing the round-table.

It would be indeed beneficial to see what the readers think now.