No more fitting players in anywhere just to justify their prrice tags!!

I said this few days ago. Downing is going to be converted into an attacking LB. Could be deadly if we're dominating teams.

I really like how Brendan thinks, he's not providing anything atm, so, why not put him L.B..

If Rodgers think's he is is capable then I shall wait and see what he can do, he couldn't be any worse than he is in his "natural position"

Enrique stll has something to give!

The thing is, although Downing is frustrating, he has got it in his locker to play in an attacking full-back role. He's quick, tall enough to deal with a header, fit, not the strongest tackler but not inept, and he can cross and over-lap for fun.

I actually think Enrique would be more suited to a CB role with his pace and strength, he hasn't quite got the technique to play attacking full-back. As long as he could read the game ala Mascherano at Barca, he could play a few games there IMO.

Surely players are good enough to be versatile within reason ?

left back on the bench i hope

As soon as I saw him there the other night I thought this may be a good idea and I posted a comment on here to say this straight after the game. Not everyone agreed.

It is so obvious to me that the manager doesn't fancy Enrique as a player. I don't neither. He is a poor decision maker on the ball, takes to many chances and continually takes the wrong option. He seems to play for himself rather than the team in my opinion.

Downing is a better footballer no doubt. I agree he has yet to perform at level that he should but I reckon playing as an attacking left back may be perfect for him and more importantly the team. And if it removes Enrique from the XI then it has got to be good.

Really lads, Downing as part of the back four? FFS. We have planty of options at LB without trying to squeeze him in there for seemingly no apparent readon. Just stick him in the front 3 and if he doesn't perform he goes on the bench.

Turning Downing into a LB doesn't mean Enrique would be second choice. Downing would be used against smaller teams who are very difficult to break down while Enrique would be used in tough matches that requires loads of defending.

Brendan doesn't actually play a back 4. It's more of an attacking LB/RB aka wing back. To be more specific, it's the zone 4 position and I think Downing would excel there. Him and Johnson on both sides would give load of width and hell to teams that park the bus.

http://www.eplindex.com/14987/brendan-rodgers-tactical-approach-liverpool-adapt-tikitaka.html

Good thinking be Brendan IMO.

Against weaker teams this could certainly work.

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.

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

Left back in the dressing room...?

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.

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.

True and Downing isn't a chimp that likes to dive either.

"True and Downing isn't a chimp that likes to dive either."



Bale is a shoe in if they revive those Teltley ads.

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

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...

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...