[video=youtube;iR7g7qS4LJU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iR7g7qS4LJU&feature=related[/video] Here's some highlights of Downing against Valencia, so i thought i'd take this moment to bask in the smug self-satisfaction of having championed our purchase of Downing all summer. It's only been preseason, granted, but some of those crosses are absolutely class. So come on then, any of you doubters starting to feel yourselves being swayed? Those who begged for N'Zogbia perhaps reconsidering which was the best signing for us?
All good so far..looks like he is gonna be a real handful and he also works hard for the team.As I stated on another thread..if the choice was between Downing and Mata on yesterdays showing then thank God we got Downing.
Alright. When we were first linked with Downing, I wasn't too sure. The games I had seen him play for Villa, he didn't stand out for me. Once we signed him, I still felt there were better options at a cheaper price. However, after seeing him in pre-season, I feel a lot better about him. The highlights have shown that he can put in excellent crosses and I believe that he will be important in the coming seasons. I've been proved wrong and i'm happy to be proved wrong. I admit it. I was wrong and you were right. Fair play.
I always thought Downing would be a good signing. He stays out wide and along with Baines was one of the best crossers last year which is exactly what we need with Carroll in the team. Can see him getting 10-15 assists this year along with 5-10 goals.
a few times he puts it at the back post, and but for a better connection from Carroll or one or two gambling on it coming back across the box, we could've had more goals
Once two strikers are playing side by side more of these will go in. Kuyts usually good at putting those kinds of crosses in.
The second cross in that clip is one of the best crosses you'll see this season. Along the floor 6 yards out, keeper cant come and get it, defenders can't touch it or it's an OG, so just need someone to slide and tap it in. He's also deceptively quick, he just goes past 3 Valencia players and none of them could keep up with him.
was at anfield yesterday to watch the match, and he was class. Worked v hard, running back to cover, switching sides to confuse Valencia and linking well with fabio... pretty happy with the buy... glad we got him not young
A few years ago I would've said no,he's no different to Jermaine Pennant. Now,I believe he fits the side perfectly in the way its set up. I believe that he being a left footer will bring the best out of Andy Carroll. It will mean Andy Carroll can stay centrally,he won't have to do things he's not supposed to do like work the channels. If you leave Andy Carroll up top and feed him from wide areas he will frighten defenders to death. You don't have to aim for his bonce,as he will 9/10 times score with his head,but along the floor too. His reactions however need to improve. I'm 100% convinced thar Adam and Downing were both signed to bring the best out of Andy Carroll,as both compliment him. Add Luis Suarez into that mix with his work-rate,energy and mind-blowing skill,you've got a wonderful cocktail.
funny how everyone said Downing was too predictable and Young had the flair and skill to put him a level above, and yet Downing was destroying Valencia in all sorts of ways and today Young was in Micah Richards' back pocket permanently. I mean seriously Young was hugely predictable today, just a shame i don't think most defences in the league will know this like Richards did!
Yes ignore the fact that overall mata is a much better player and that he had an off game, also ignore the fact hes just turned 23 when downings 27 and hitting his peak while mata will only get better. ignore everything apart from yesterdays showing just to feel like you made the absolute perfect signing, granted he'll be good but please...
Downing was brilliant yesterday,and Ive been very impressed with him so far in general.Think he will be an excellent signing,and exactly what Carroll needs Havin said that I think Mata is a better player than him and had an off day yesterday, plus he tends to spend more time infield than Downing which is why Kenny probably got Downing as he stays wide and can supply Carroll. If Im honest Id like both.
yes and ignore the fact that Mata has no prem experience and the crucial one for me..ignore the fact that Kenny wanted Downing and not Mata.Also ignore the fact that the 1st time Mata comes up against a top premier side he wilted.I know Mata is good but at this moment in time,right now,my opinion is that I am happy to have Stewart Downing playing at my club
Still early days but from the clip alone it definately looks like he offers something we havent had in a while.
I think he's done quite well. We need to get Andy C fit to make the most out of Downing. He's putting the balls in and Carrol seems a little off the pace still. When they both get match fit it will be great.
B4F. I can see where you're coming from, but I don't think its anything really to do with match fitness as Big Andy looks sharpish. I believe its something that can be developed on the training ground. Big Andy needs to be encouraged to take more risks when SD drops balls in. Its something as simple as that. I believe that Kenny will work on different things on the training ground,and both are clever enough to bring what is done on the training ground into games.
