http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/aug/28/brendan-rodgers-stewart-downing-liverpool
I don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet but I think this could work, he was okay there against Hearts (I know they aren't the greatest opponent) but I think its worth a try.
Thoughts?
Downing as left back....
posted on 29/8/12
We'll see. Given the amount of possession we are gonna have in many matches in the future, I reckon playing someone with obvious attacking and forward thinking tendencies will improve the team.
It might not happen...but like I said, we will see. It's gotta be better than watching Enrique bustle about without direction and consistently making the wrong footballing decisions. He drives me nuts.
posted on 29/8/12
Who are these weaker teams we are talking about? There are no easy games in th PL these days. IMO downing at LB is madness. Any decent right sided midfielder would take him apart and pull a cb out of position. If we really want the attacking width out that side we háve GJ who has done an excellent job there in the past and probably offers more going forward than Downing
posted on 29/8/12
Left back in the dressing room...?
posted on 29/8/12
One error that Kenny made last season was persisting with players in positions where they were under performing. It was no doubt done from loyalty to his signings but was very frustrating to watch. You could argue it's held players like Hendo back and knocked his confidence while being played out of position.
Downings has no such excuse, he just hasn't shown enough quality at Liverpool IMO and this season hasn't been any different.
Brendan has shown so far he's far more flexible in his use of players. That's good from an economic point of view, Downing is ideal to play at LB when we are trying to break teams down, it also takes the pressure of Stewie and could mean he has a future at Anfield.
Good stuff from Brendan again, there is so much to admire about his man management. It's just a pity we still only have one point to show for our efforts.
posted on 29/8/12
I raised my doubts how Enrique was going to fit into the system that Brendan uses weeks ago.
http://www.ja606.co.uk/articles/viewArticle/132358
I think playing Downing as an attacking LB could be an inspired move by the manager, as long as Downing is receptive to it. He has played the position before and has the credentials to play it at a higher level imo. Enrique could then be used as a player who can neutralise a specific threat when required.
Downing can become the anti-Bale Bale was a decent LB that became an excellent winger. Downing is a decent winger that could become an excellent LB.
posted on 29/8/12
True and Downing isn't a chimp that likes to dive either.
posted on 29/8/12
"True and Downing isn't a chimp that likes to dive either."
Bale is a shoe in if they revive those Teltley ads.
posted on 29/8/12
They've been saying on the Anfield Wrap (great Liverpool podcast for those who dont know) for ages that he would be a good left back - I like Enrique though
posted on 29/8/12
Its good of BR to read the failure signs early. Downing failed last season and now BR is is giving him a new lease of life. He should either play as lb(I think he can come good there) or leave...
posted on 29/8/12
Glad to see everyone is realising that Enrique is not as good as everyone was making out at the begining of last season.
Regarding Downing and playing at LB. In our minds it could work. Downing has the attributes to excel there as well. He has good pace, good crossing ability, good engine, meh in the tackle. Its just his reading of the game that i would question.
However people need to realise that this is Downing we're talking about. If it wasnt for Henderson, people would be questioning his cojones non-stop.
We'll have to wait and see...