Since August, Stewart Downing has had something of a torrid time at Liverpool. It started with him scoring the first competitive goal of Brendan Rodgers’ reign – since then he’s been continuously dropped and recalled from the squad, been publicly criticised by his manager, and played out of position at left back.
Despite this, and talk of a loan move back to his old club Middlesborough, Stewart Downing will not be on his way out of Liverpool in January. He could very well leave in the summer, but, for now, is set to stay.
Read on for three simple reasons why.
3. Versatility
At the start of the season, Liverpool’s first choice full-back pairing was Martin Kelly (right) and Glen Johnson (left) rather than the current, Johnson (right) and Jose Enrique (left).
With Kelly out for the season due to knee ligament damage, Liverpool are short of options at full-back with only Andre Wisdom as cover should Enrique or Johnson get injured.
That’s where Downing comes in handy – Brendan Rodgers has converted him into a hybrid left sided player with the ability to play in midfield and defense. Downing can do a job on both wings or at left-back, which is pretty handy for a club with a squad as small as Liverpool’s – Downing could prove a valuable player to retain at the moment.
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5 Comments
What is versability?
And Downing can go as far as I am concerned. We have plenty of youngsters who can make up the numbers, Flanagan, Robinson at FB, and the likes of Assaidi, Suso, Bornini on the wings. Even Pacheco is a better wing option than Downing.
I agree with Billy….Liverpool need Downing, and as Enrique now picked up a injury, Downing will play leftback
I agree with the author. Downing has played well the last couple of matches, and as enrique picked up an injury, i think he will play leftback the next games.
The best available fullback pairing available to play at the moment must be Wisdom right and Johnson left, Downing is doing just fine where he is.
the sunderland ,qpr ,even the villa game downing was excellent .
keep downing he,s a good team player he works his socks off , come on stuey get them crosses in for sturridge