Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[Exiled_red]

I fully accept that there are some things which will need to be adjusted to for a lot of players you sign, even from the PL.

It's not that rare however that some players hit the ground running early on and it's very disappointing that, out of Henderson, Downing, Adam and Carroll, basically not a single one of them has done that.

You also get some players from overseas that hit the ground running, e.g. Suarez and Torres (for us obviously ). I think that wherever you sign players from you have to be prepared to give them time to adapt and settle in, if they don't need time that's a bonus, but IMO cases such as that should be treated as the exception rather than the rule.

[Craig_H]

I'm not suggesting for one minute that it would justify his transfer fee.

However, he put the ball in the right spot for the striker to score a piss-easy goal - that's his job.

Who knows it could be a snowball effect of instilling some self belief...

Possibly could, aye. It'd need to be the first of about 5 or 6 though, to make a significant difference

You also get some players from overseas that hit the ground running, e.g. Suarez and Torres (for us obviously ). I think that wherever you sign players from you have to be prepared to give them time to adapt and settle in, if they don't need time that's a bonus, but IMO cases such as that should be treated as the exception rather than the rule.

That's fair enough and i dont disagree. As you say, they are exceptions to the rule but they do happen at times and it's a bit gutting that not a single one of our four have done it.

[BigChief]

That one assist wouldnt really be the difference between thinking Downing's proving to be a cracking signing, and thinking we've wasted £20m

Then you're too hung up about the money. Doesn't matter if he was £20 million, we couldn't help that nor could he. Its the price for trying to turn things around quickly.

This is where Kenny has a fine balancing act. He needs to give Downing enough games to a) justify the cost to the owners, and b) give Downing the playing time he clearly needs. But Henderson and Carroll also need that playing time, so Kenny needs to ensure all three are not on the pitch together as all three's lack of confidence perpetuates the negativity on the pitch and the stands.

[Craig_H]

Then you're too hung up about the money. Doesn't matter if he was £20 million, we couldn't help that nor could he. Its the price for trying to turn things around quickly.

This is where Kenny has a fine balancing act. He needs to give Downing enough games to a) justify the cost to the owners, and b) give Downing the playing time he clearly needs. But Henderson and Carroll also need that playing time, so Kenny needs to ensure all three are not on the pitch together as all three's lack of confidence perpetuates the negativity on the pitch and the stands.

I mentioned the money simple because of the turn of phrase, rather than because i'm bothered about it that much.

I just so happened to phrase it 'we wasted £20m' rather than 'we made a poor signing' but the same thing applies.

[cream]

I'd don't agree that foreign players need longer to settle. I'ts bull**** and has been proven time and time again.

[Craig_H]

I'd don't agree that foreign players need longer to settle. I'ts bull**** and has been proven time and time again.

I think there's no set rule either way, be it foreign or not. Some players settle quickly, others take longer. Irrespective of nationality.

[Exiled_red]

I mentioned this before about Downing, but I think he'll benefit from having a settled strike force to work with, i.e. what is required of him will be different depening on who is playing up front, the delivery for Carroll will be different from the delivery for Suarez etc.

I thought that in the Swansea game he was starting to put crosses in that suited Carroll's game, they didn't all find their target, but for me that was an improvement. I also think Carroll won quite a few knock downs but no-one was on the end of them, due to a lack of men in the box, that is something we need to address and I think that could benefit both Carroll and Downing.

[cream]

I mentioned this before about Downing, but I think he'll benefit from having a settled strike force to work with, i.e. what is required of him will be different depening on who is playing up front, the delivery for Carroll will be different from the delivery for Suarez etc.

I thought that in the Swansea game he was starting to put crosses in that suited Carroll's game, they didn't all find their target, but for me that was an improvement. I also think Carroll won quite a few knock downs but no-one was on the end of them, due to a lack of men in the box, that is something we need to address and I think that could benefit both Carroll and Downing.

I think it would be easier just to ditch Carroll and Downing, but that's just my opinion.

[dizzycat]

Aurelio and Maxim could probably offer more at the moment and take the pressure off

[Nick77]

Aurelio and Maxim could probably offer more at the moment and take the pressure off

And Bellamy

[Tee]

He will never be good enough, and the saddest thing is deep down he probably believes that as well. Totally wrong mentality for Liverpool, but perfect for Villa type teams where expectations are much much lower.

[Mostar]

I thought he did ok, he put a few decent crosses in, first half in particular. He created the chance for Carroll early on which Carroll should have scored, and he found Carroll with a few crosses at the back post, Carroll headed them down but there was no-one there to pick them up. If we had people on the end of Carroll's knock downs I think people would have viewed Carroll and Downing's performances yesterday differently...

I thought the same.

He reminds me a lot to J. Cole in terms of confidence.

He is trying too hard to impress and being under the pressure to produce his decision making is pretty poor.

One of the problems is that our midfield is very weak and the more than once he had to go into our half to get the ball and that doesn't work for a winger.

Also on the few occasions he had some very god runs down the left flank but he had to slow down as there was nobody to cross or pass the ball to in the box.

I think he'll bounce back but atm he is very inconsistent and doesn't deserve the place to start against Chelsea.

Bellamy would be a perfect man for that occasion as he thrives in high intensity big games type of environment.

[Norbs]

Seeing that most players get a bump when they have a decent game for their national side... I didn't watch the whole game yesterday but what I saw of it he was very creative and should've had 3 assists. Sounds like a typical Downing performance with those around him letting his hard work go to waste

Capello is another clueless manager who clearly rates him, he was the only attacking player to play the entire game. It's a wonder that Capello's still in his job

[Alex]

Did alright last night for England. Making space, bombing down both wings. Blasting it wide and over.

[cream]

Was supposed to have been very good last night according to reports, anyone watch the game?