Downing and Cole. Right onto the more. Feel bit bad for Henderson, thought he was awful at right back last night, wondered if we were playing with 3 in defence at times. If we are gonna give him a chance, at least put his energy to use in the crippling midfield that is lacking a defensive midfielder. Carragher, well he is hindering Coates's progress imo. Second point, people may disagree, but Assaidi. They guy just doesn't look comfortable on the ball what so ever, everything he does looks awkward and he can't cross. Really thought last night would be a good chance for him. Not surprised he hasn't featured much in our first team. 3rd point, Allen. I do think he falls victim to Rodgers playing him in Lucas's position, but he has no presence and I still don't see what he offers. For me personally, I thought it said a lot when I was pleased Sterling came on. "thank god, someone better than the current lot is coming on", but we are relying on a 17 year old.... Back to the first two. Downing, he did the usual don't want to do anything crap, so don't do anything good, or anything at all. As for Cole, well, I've written more about him than he had touches.
Downing is more useful than Cole. Downing has been pretty good in Europe this season. if he could transfer that form in to the league (now bear in mind he has had 3 appearances in the league this season and has not played 90 minuntes) then we could be looking at a different player
I would rather move Cole first and then Downing. And then I would rather we added to the squad before letting Downing leave.
People still have faith that Downing will come good? You can count his good performances on three fingers and he's not exactly a young player with potential...
I think people are being harsh on Assaidi today. He has done well in most of the game he has played but with good performances, expectations raise. It is only the last couple of games he's been involved in that he hasn't looked as good, he didn't get to finish either game too. Add to that that we are only eighteen games into a season where he as only played in the cup/reserve team, I think the criticism is a little hasty
This ... I really do rate him - good technique, can dribble and beat his man. His output is pretty decent as well and it's a shame no one can head the ball. I think he and Sterling should be on the wings.
I'm with this. Yes, he has only had three appearances in the league this season and has not completed ninety minutes but he gets time in every cup game and he's played a ****ing lot of game last season too! He simply has not done it and I can't see him changing it around, this coming from a guy who saw the potential in Lucas / Kuyt when they were getting stick and is fully behind Henderson too so it is not like I don't give players a chance either (see comment about Assaidi above too)
Look what he's done in the cup... 2 goals and 3 assists in the Europa league and his performance against West Brom in COCup 2nd round was OK. Downing is being shipped from pillar to post at the moment. Left Wing, Right wing, Left back - how many other players are going though this disruption?? Downing scored 7 and assisted 9 for Villa in 2010/2011 - that season they finished 9th. I still think we should give him games and keep hold of him - he has little resale value, his wages can't be massive... there is no point selling him when the evidence is there that he can be effective
Although I agree with most of what you are saying (I've argued similar points in the past), I am getting to the end of the line for him. He has had enough chances in the league but he simply as not performed. I was hoping he would come good this season (since his first season at others clubs were poor too) but there is absolutely no sign of improvement. Yes, he's done well in the Europa League but how good are the opposition...? Also, in these games he is one of the senior players, this the 'big fish, small pond' scenario suit him better...? Much like with Charlie Adam, Downing has performed much better for so-called lesser teams, is this a coincidence? Or does he feel inadequate alongside the likes of Gerrard and Suarez? He's never done it for England either but since most players don't do that it is perhaps a little harsh to include. I agree he as little resale value but he does get a large chunk of wages too. you say they can't be massive, I'd be surprised if they weren't approaching six figures.
Cole: grrrr....pointless commenting it'll just be asterix. Downing: sorry but BR obviously see's something missing. And I think we all saw it too last year while he had the protection of being new. He's a busted flush. I gave him a chance but I no longer care whether its physical, technical or mental. He's in his later twenties and I'm fed up with the idea we've got to cuddle grown men. Stevie G who I've criticised a bit this year was shipped around the positions over the years, some to his detriment but he obviously showed class & determination because he kept performing & kept getting selected & became the player he is. Downing either turns it around like a man or buggers off back to kindergarten where mummy will tell him he's special. Assaidi Ill give the same time as I did the others,especially since he is young & its a new league. Same with Sahin. I have seen the possibilities with Allen. When he has managed (not often) to get up behind the F3 in a game to where he should play you can see his potential worth. He's the guy that will hold and move constantly probing until the likes of Suarez or Sterling get a break. I see where BR will go with it but whether it works well we'll have to wait until Lucas gets back. I also think as Hendo & Shelvey keep Developing we have very different options in the middle. Maybe BR playing Hendo at the back (not the first time either) he's trying to Instil discipline & tactical awareness so he can be the option to Lucas. He'd certainly have the engine to hold the line on his own. It's whether he'll see danger like Lucas fast enough. So missing one of F3. I think Suarez & Sterling (still a ways off for the system as much as he's ahead of curve individually) will have that intelligence needed in the floating, switching 3. We need one more. Defending against these three, drifting wide or to centre dropping back with Allen controlling it and either Gerrard it Shelvey driving up will be quite effective. It just needs time.... So as said we need another intelligent attacker. After that its buying competition of improvements.
Alternatively, it does work and it is one of two things: 1) we lose a key player or 2) we buy him and lose our budget for next season meaning we have to have another season with the same squad
My opinion on Downing is that while I think he is useless, we really dont have many options in his position so I dont htink we can just get rid without getting some sort of replacement , at least he can give the starters some rest from the EL games
Downings best performances for Liverpool this season haven't been on the left wing..they have been at left back. He's Gareth Bale in reverse. Sorry I don't think we need a £20 million left back, it will just hinder the progress of the raw but with real potential Jack Robinson. I love this kid, I reckon he's going to be a fabulous left back.
