I was in the middle of typing an unbelievably long-winded response to the Andy Carroll thread when it occurred to me that we have been doing this every window since the Berbatov and Keane #1 weapon was dismantled. The reason is that we really haven't found an effective partnership when we've got 2 up front and we still (as far as I know) can't move anyone on. I'm assuming Keane is still pricing himself out of a move to Birmingham.
Here are my thoughts on our striker situation and I'm trying to be objective without putting down any of our players here. We have a missing element and have done for a while now. Berbatov had the vision, control and overall quality to score goals and create them for others. Keane had the movement and ability to create space for that partnership to flourish. Unfortunately, Keane wasn't the most important part of that partnership and Ferguson was well aware of that when he signed Berbatov and made certain comments when Liverpool signed Keane.
Defoe has pace and can score goals, but it has to be in the right situation. Pav is always an impact sub and good cover on the bench for me. We need someone who can menace the opposition's defense whether it's Everton, West Ham or Man United. We need a Tevez or a Rooney. They turn defenders inside out (even when Rooney plays like s**t) with their movement. Carroll doesn't necessarily have that movement, but he has the strength and ability to hold the ball up.
Look at Fulham after Zamora's injury. In fact maybe Zamora would be a bargain bin temporary solution to our problem if he gets back in stride! City wouldn't be in the top 6 without Tevez. So is 30M worth it for Carroll? Yes! That's just my opinion and it's pointless because both parties say the deal is off. I think Redknapp illustrated this problem in his team selection on Sunday.
Even though I'd love for us to sign Suarez, I think we'd find a similar problem. Suarez would put Defoe on the bench and leave us with an improved goalscorer, but the same problems that were exploited by Everton would continue to be a problem. Redknapp has said we won't make signings unless it improves our squad. My point to this little rant is that I think we're extremely unbalanced up front. I don't think we should bother bringing in what might be a Defoe upgrade until we've addressed what Crouch (despite his assists) and Pav (despite his record against top teams) will never provide.
What do you think?
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