Source: Daily_Mail
Harry Redknapp defends Liverpool's Andy Carroll
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Andy Carroll remains one of the most destructive players in England - regardless of the criticisms that have come his way this season.[LNB]Carroll became the most expensive British player of all time when he moved from Newcastle to Liverpool in a ?35million move in January.[LNB]Redknapp was also keen on signing the striker, but his price tag put the Spurs boss off and he had to wait until this month before landing a frontman, with Emmanuel Adebayor signing on loan from Manchester City.[LNB] Benched: Andy Carroll (centre) has struggled to make an impact this season[LNB]Carroll has struggled to make the impact expected of him since his big-money arrival and has scored three goals in 14 games - one of which came against Exeter in the Carling Cup.[LNB]England boss Fabio Capello has also not been impressed with the 22-year-old, recently criticising his lifestyle and admitting he would have to lose weight in order to play for England.[LNB]Redknapp was keen not to wade into a row with Capello over his comments, but was happy to make it clear that he thinks the Carroll is one of the best strikers in the league.[LNB]Redknapp said: 'I don't know anything about his personal life and whether he drinks or not. (Liverpool boss) Kenny Dalglish is the only person who knows that.[LNB] New boy: Harry Redknapp signed Emmanuel Adebayor in the summer[LNB]'If Kenny is happy with him then that's all that matters really.[LNB]'As a player, he is a real handful. He is a great header of the ball. When you go up against him you know you have had a game, that's for sure.'[LNB]Redknapp may get a reminder of what he missed out on if Carroll is selected to play for Liverpool at White Hart Lane.[LNB]Another of Dalglish's strikers, Luis Suarez, is expected to start after beginning the season with three goals in five matches.[LNB]Redknapp was also keen on signing the striker in January before he moved to Liverpool from Ajax and now regrets not signing the Uruguayan.[LNB]'We looked at Suarez,' Redknapp said.[LNB] The one that got away: Redknapp was keen to sign Luis Suarez (left)[LNB]'That was a player who we probably should have taken looking back on it now.[LNB]'The fee was ?30-odd million and that's a lot of money.[LNB]'We thought he played a bit like (Rafael) Van der Vaart as well.[LNB]'We were looking for a target man but I have seen him play up on his own and he can do that. He can play anywhere. He can do anything. He is a top-class, fantastic player.'[LNB] Redknapp's regret at missing on Suarez after Spurs baulked at Ajax's asking priceFriedel is still my No 1 despite Cudicini heroics, insists Spurs boss RedknappAll the latest Tottenham news, features and opinionAll the latest Liverpool news, features and opinion [LNB]
