When Liverpool splashed the majority of the Torres cash on the young and largely untried Andy Carroll on the last day of the 2011 January transfer window the eyebrows of the football world raised in unison.
The 35 million was undoubtedly too much for a player with next to no history for banging in the goals.
What Liverpool had for their money was a raw talent, a player with potential, a player that had all the markings of someone who could become a classic British centre forward.
They also bought a player who had a reputation for milking the lifestyle and trappings of football stardom a little too much and a player who had seen his fair share of troubles in the North-East in his short time as a professional.
For Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, this was a huge gamble.
During an initial 12 months in which the towering Geordie striker saw his time under the microscope of fans and press plagued by injury, lack of fitness, failing form and the knock-on of a loss of confidence, Andy Carroll saw his future as not only an up and coming England International but as a player even capable of cutting it in the Premier League questioned and mocked.
Everywhere he played the sounds of ‘what a waste of money’ echoed from the terraces, his touch looked woeful, his drive seemed non-existent, the goals were scarce and, most importantly, his attitude looked wrong.
A point was reached were even those fans that had staunchly backed Carroll to come good were having to question him as a player.
Talk of a transfer away from Anfield in January was rife on the Internet as the forums bustled with rumour and hearsay, and then something unexpected happened.
Andy Carroll started to perform.
Over 12 months since his move from Newcastle United, Andy Carroll was suddenly showing glimpses of the talent and fight every Liverpool fan had longed to see.
He began chasing lost causes, challenging for headers, holding the ball up and out muscling centre backs. He looked like a man reborn, the body language of a player speaks volumes and Andy Carroll’s was one of a player revitalised and ready to finally take on the mantle of being Liverpool’s number 9.
Opposition fans continued to mock, of course.
The Brighton fans poured their scorn on him shortly before he banged in Liverpool’s third and went on to take the man of the match award, thoroughly deserved.
Sure, others will say ‘it was only Brighton,’ but it was a Brighton side intent on wrestling and roughing up Andy Carroll whenever the ball was swung into their area. Yet this time the young striker rose above it, ploughed on and got his reward.
With every game the confidence that seemed so completely eroded builds again and this I feel is something that scares opposition teams and fans half to death, because an Andy Carroll that begins to live up to the expectations placed upon him is a scary prospect for defenders and supporters everywhere.
“I feel like I am doing well and have just started to get going,” said Carroll.
“I am scoring goals and I feel like I am doing very well in games now. It’s all starting to come together for me. This is the best I’ve felt since I have been here, without a doubt.
“I feel fit and confident and I think it is showing in my performances. I’m getting around the pitch more and getting involved. I think it shows that I am happier and more confident. I’m just pleased that things are going right.”
The game against Brighton saw Liverpool line up with Carroll, Suarez and captain, Steven Gerrard starting together for the first time this season and it definitely paid dividends.
Andy Carroll added: “It was great and all three of us scored. But I thought the whole team played well, we gelled together and we passed it well. We got the goals that we have been lacking. For me it was nice to get one in front of the Kop.”
Carroll also spoke of his assist that got Luis Suarez on the scoresheet: “I just thought it was important to set Luis up. It was a great ball by Jose and Luis was probably in a better place than me. He was there and he just nodded it home.”
Liverpool fans will be hoping this new found form and confidence will continue to blossom at this weekend’s Carling Cup Final where Liverpool take on Cardiff City.
Andy Carroll’s journey and time at Liverpool could still go either way of course, a few good games don’t make a season but everyone needs a starting point and maybe this is Andy’s.
35 million for Andy Carroll may yet end up looking like a good bit of business.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Eight trophies is nothing to be sneered at, but can Klopp’s name can be mentioned among the best managers in the Premier League era?
Liverpool have fallen further out of contention for the Premier League title - but that's perhaps the least of Jurgen Klopp's problems. Just as…
Despite the short nature of his tenure as a professional manager, Arne Slot has established himself as arguably the most impressive manager outside of…
Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have blasted a hole in Liverpool's Premier League title challenge as Everton powered their way to a priceless derby…
Manchester United have survived one of the most astonishing FA Cup semi-final comebacks to beat second-tier Coventry City 4-2 on penalties after a chaotic…
With a certain inevitability, Manchester City are suddenly in charge of the Premier League title race. Arsenal and Liverpool both produced lethargic performances under…
