Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[peekay]

Obviously it's just a hunch but I'm pretty certain Downing was purchased solely based on statistics. He was right at the top of most relevant statistics last season for a player in his position (successful crosses, assists, consecutive appearances etc).

If you haven't noticed how bad he's been until yesterday then I'm astounded. Yesterday was dreadful from him, but he's been that poor on several occasions already this season.

I am wondering what statistics Commoli used in ratifying the purchase of Downing.

He has hit double digit assists in the league only once in 2004-2005. He has scored 29 goals in 270 games in the league.

[Fivex]

Compare to other left footed wingers available. I guess we thought we were getting the best available without risking a punt.

[DannyMan2006]

Compare to other left footed wingers available. I guess we thought we were getting the best available without risking a punt.

That's the only problem. We needed a LW, and he was probably the best available for transfer. It's just the size of the fee that has really done our legs. We'll lose a massive amount when he's sold on.

I'm still shocked he's been this bad tbh. He started the season quite well, but it looks like he's lost all confidence. But whilst I know he's a decent player, it's his poor mentality that has me worried.

To me it just seems he can't deal with the pressures of playing for a top club. He still has time to save himself but he needs to sharpen up soon or he'll be out on his ear.

[cream]

Still waiting for Downing's apology on the official site...

[BrooklynRed]

That's the only problem. We needed a LW, and he was probably the best available for transfer. It's just the size of the fee that has really done our legs. We'll lose a massive amount when he's sold on.

Well, not according to fans on this board; many on here were pushing for Juan Mata (who went on a transfer to Chelsea) and Arda Turan (who landed at Atletico Madrid)-- Downing did not rate for me, but I welcomed and supported his signing once it was done.

I do want to say-- looking at United yesterday-- Valencia, Rooney in the hole, Wellbeck, Giggs-- all of them were in and around the area because Scholes and Carrick were owning the middle while we'd constantly try to play in Luis alone up top from deep midfield positions.

I think Downing has been poor, no question, but we need a CAM who can carry the ball forward, put Gerrard in the hole ala Rooney, and let Kuyt and Downing play like wingers. It's been a massive tactical problem for us for years. Our central midfield (and Dirk as well) were not controlling the ball or able to move it into attacking areas or space at all. If we can't win that battle game in and game out, we could put Barnes out there in his prime and it wouldn't matter. we play too deep and still don't control the middle of the park. that puts us at a huge disadvantage. Adam is no help as he tends to try to hit long Hollywood balls and cannot tackle. Imagine Mascherano and Alonso out there with Stevie, Luis, Dirk and Downing. we would not be having this conversation. I agree that Downing is poor, but the whole set up is poor; we should have better options all over the pitch.

[ElRobbie]

Downing isn't happy, can't say how I know I just do, he doesn't feel kenny is giving him a good run in the team and feels like an outsider and thinks its hard to make an impact as everyone worships kenny and gerrard and other players aren't given fair chance to prove themselves.

[Gibbo]

Downing isn't happy, can't say how I know I just do, he doesn't feel kenny is giving him a good run in the team and feels like an outsider and thinks its hard to make an impact as everyone worships kenny and gerrard and other players aren't given fair chance to prove themselves.

He's had countless chances and been crap though?

Going missing in games isn't going to help his cause, he should try harder.

[BrooklynRed]

Also, to be fair, he was bought to whip in balls onto the head of a dominant Carrol, and we know how that has turned out as well.

You can't buy chemistry.

[mouphy]

Downing isn't happy, can't say how I know I just do, he doesn't feel kenny is giving him a good run in the team and feels like an outsider and thinks its hard to make an impact as everyone worships kenny and gerrard and other players aren't given fair chance to prove themselves.

Tell him to sling his hook then, Kenny has given him more than a good run in the team and IMO has been too loyal to him as his performances havn't warranted half the match time he has got. Maxi must be pulling his hair out watching that muck every week while he can't even get on the bench!

[Shaggy]

Downing isn't happy, can't say how I know I just do, he doesn't feel kenny is giving him a good run in the team and feels like an outsider and thinks its hard to make an impact as everyone worships kenny and gerrard and other players aren't given fair chance to prove themselves.

(Not aimed at you)

That's garbage though. Pure garbage. If you're good enough, and you give everything, you get respect. People love Enrique, Bellamy, Agger, Skrtel etc. Because they all give absolutely everything and what's more they're quality players.

Downing however doesn't appear to give everything, is weak mentally and isn't a very good footballer.

[DannyMan2006]

From what i've heard Juan Mata was never an option for us. Arda Turan was a possibility I'd have thought though. I wonder how he's been doing in Madrid.

Tbh, I'd have rather we bought in a winger with pace, which Turan isn't, but really I guess it's just a lack of options. Downing is an England international and had a great season last year. I can see why he was the player we brought in, I just think we should have drawn the line when Villa asked for silly money though.

[Bender]

too much money gubbed on ****e

[Mattshark]

From what i've heard Juan Mata was never an option for us. Arda Turan was a possibility I'd have thought though. I wonder how he's been doing in Madrid.

Tbh, I'd have rather we bought in a winger with pace, which Turan isn't, but really I guess it's just a lack of options. Downing is an England international and had a great season last year. I can see why he was the player we brought in, I just think we should have drawn the line when Villa asked for silly money though.

Downing had a great season by the standards of a struggling club, he wasn't one of the leagues best players.

[Rich]

Downing had a great season by the standards of a struggling club, he wasn't one of the leagues best players.

effective at a mid table club. Below average for a club with aspirations.

[Baracus]

Did we not sign him because he scored against us last season

Adam - Check
Carroll - Check
Downing - Check