Brendan Rodgers has warned Stewart Downing that the winger may have to convert to left-back to have any future at Liverpool, as the new manager continues to dismantle Kenny Dalglish's project. Last summer Dalglish paid £20m for Downing, who has 34 England caps as an attacking wideman, with the 28-year-old a member of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad. The above report in the guardian. Obviously doesn't fancy him as an out and out atacking threat. Could work,look at how ray Kennedy flourished when he became a midfield player. Rodger's goes on to say "I think it is a big possibility that he can play there. If you look at the modern-day full-backs, [Jordi] Alba [Spain left-back], [Chelsea's] Ashley Cole – Ashley Cole was a centre-forward. When I bring young players through, I will always bring attackers because they can move back. When Middlesbrough reached the Uefa Cup final against Sevilla, he played left-back on that run. Sometimes it can release the pressure on players. His job at the top end of the pitch is to create and score goals. But you looked at him in the half-hour against Hearts [last Thursday], he served the ball well, he got forward and defended a couple of times. That is important." Liverpool's first-choice left-back is currently José Enrique, who Dalglish paid £5m for last August. But Rodgers believes Downing has the ability to play in the position. "I think he is good enough for that. Absolutely," he said. "Time will tell [whether he can do it consistently]. I don't like to just give up on players. I always look at different ways you can play them. Stewart has a future as an attacking player but I have had a good chat with him on the role and he is excited about it. That is the biggest thing. "There is no point putting a player into a position he doesn't want to play. But when you speak to someone and tell them what the future could be, along with the qualities that he has, there is no doubt that in the modern game, he could play that role." So maybe his future lays in a new role. Personally I would rather get shot and get a decent left back in.
Well he looked as good at left back as he's ever looked on the wing for us but I doubt Enrique will be losing much sleep I'd be more inclined to think that BR should tell him he's getting "left back" every game
This made me laugh so early on a Wednesday morning then I realised you had finished quoting Brendan on the previous line above
I laughed at first but thought about it some more. If money is tight I think it solves a number of problems for us. 1) it gives us the cover in a position we need it. 2) allows any money left to be concentrated elsewhere. 3) gives Jack Robinson time to grow. 4) gives Downing a second chance without disrupting fluidity in our attack but which at worst he is also back up for. 5) this also claws back some of the expenditure on him & keeps his profile out there (if he's reasonable at the job) to sell him as a more versatile player next year. So I can see the plus points. If he's rubbish or shows the same attitude well then BR can say "I gave him every chance"
example: kevin kilbane.... do we want that playing in our team.... ray kennedy was a top player, downing is not nor never will be. its ok to tell gareth bale he's an average winger who donkeys in 20 balls a game and has a decent shot (see risse) but he could be a world class full back... but downing? chump = chump IMO.... its all about his attitude to me and his attitude sucks... not work rate but negativity on the pitch.. back passes, closes his body to turn away from the full back etc.
I think he could be a decent option when we're struggling late in the game, or against weaker opposition...
I agree M but I can see why BR is trying something or it will be a growing collection of 20m+ failures sitting on his bench with no resale value. If we want to squeeze every penny back we have to make him attractive to those other premier league teams that will gamble. We're still not get our money back though.
left back in the changing rooms ! ...ba-dum tsssch. Seriously cant believe no one used this beauty, had it stored up for over 20 years.
"I don't like to just give up on players." Interesting line to use in a public setting...pretty much an admittance that Downing's rather ****e
With Johnson already able to cover Enrique and Robinson as cover for them both I think this wold be a bad move and may make Robinson think his future is elsewhere. The quote could be a way of making it clear that he could be sold.
I remember when Kuyt was not scoring. Rafa moved him from striker to right wing and his goal scoring pressure was lifted. The goals came ok after that. This could help Downing. Downing is also very comfortable on the ball. Maybe he'll play lb tomorrow.
Well he can't attack and Can't cross. And if he can't defend that only leaves one position left... Wonder what he's like as a Goalkeeper
That's my concern with this idea, he is easily knocked of the ball and a powerful winger would eat him up imo.
We need a keeper, problem solved. However one of the cleaners has just retired and I would be more comfortable with Downing in that position.
I agree,we should look at different positional possibilities for existing squad players. If it does not work with Downing then either sell him or help him improve his natural position. For all the stick he's getting,part of me thinks he can still come good for LFC.
