Udinese post match thread

[Captain Stu]

Does he have bundles of talent? I don't think so. Decent left foot, bit of pace, that's it. Can't go past people, can't shoot, seldom spots a pass.

In theory he could though, he has the ability to go past people and his shooting would be much better if he didn't always insist on taking one or two extra touches. That's what I mean about the application - he doesn't make the best use of what he has.

Maybe bundles was the wrong word... he has talent, leave it at that.

[Maxiedge]

not his fault, really. as a defender who likes to get into the oppo box and smash the odd header in he just saw that cross, saw the attacker was going to miss it, and thought **** it, thats too good to miss, its going begging...

it was a delightful ball in

[ric.williams]

im not a downing fan at all and only saw the first half but i thought he did well and covered defensively for Johnson when we lost the ball high up the pitch.

[cream]

No doubt he'll be gone. See the post-match interview? Interviewer suggested to Rodgers that Downing had responded to his "call to arms". BR totally swerved it,. said "Stewie worked hard" and then changed the subject.

Aye, he also raised his hand and rubbed his ear, sure sign of a lie.

[Tribute]

Does he have bundles of talent? I don't think so. Decent left foot, bit of pace, that's it. Can't go past people, can't shoot, seldom spots a pass.

...on current form he reminds me of a poor man's Chris Waddle (without the mullet) - completely one-footed, indecisive, predictably 'jinky' but no end product, crosses hit more defenders than targets, doesn't seem to get what it means to wear the club shirt.. when even the kids do!

[Muddled]

I think the praise for Downing is deserved.

It was a marked improvement from recent displays; he was more decisive, direct and threatening during large spells of the game. One assist, one put on a plate and a few pops at goal. Whilst it's only one performance out of 40 odd plus, it was no better or no worse than the Assaidi display against WBA and I think people are clouded by the fact it's Downing and that he cost £20m.

He went at defenders, he cut inside, he went down his right-side, he was an option for the ball and helped Johnson out on occasion. He did shirk his defensive duties a couple of times, but he asked questions of the Udinese defence and that's more than he's done historically for us.

For all of the space afforded to Assaidi last night, he offered nothing. On the other flank, Downing made an impact.

[Lecter]

One thing I will say for Assaidi is once he has beaten a man, he threatens that player again and again

Downing for me doesnt do that, hes far too willing to pass the buck and allow someone else to take responsibility

Downings biggest problem imo is that hes chicken

[Tribute]

One thing I will say for Assaidi is once he has beaten a man, he threatens that player again and again

Downing for me doesnt do that, hes far too willing to pass the buck and allow someone else to take responsibility

Downings biggest problem imo is that hes chicken

Assaidi (and other younger players) have this drive to keep doing what they do - whether they succeed or fail - they'll be in the oppositions faces again and again trying to do better. I can live with them not being consistent, that will come with playing more games together.

Downing should be the finished article. He should be terrorising defenders not offloading the responsibility to the Johnsons/Gerrards to get the crosses in. I just don't think he gets what it means to play in the shirt - he's like a wet lettuce.

[Muddled]

Downings biggest problem imo is that hes chicken

I agree, he's a ****house. There were instances last night when he retreated into his shell, but - more often than not - he tried various things and could only be nullified by a rugby tackle, obv.

[Neil Young]

I think you're both right.

Downing had a better game than usual, got through a lot of work, including at least twice covering well for Johnson, made a goal, set up other chances, got a shot on target, kept the ball well and kept it moving, should have been through on goal when hauled back... And he also was incredibly frustrating that he seems to turn back constantly, can run fast yet somehow can't beat a man for pace (he so often seems to get a foot ahead, not a yard, meaning the defender can always get the challenge in), doesn't seem to try that much, etc.

What got me last night at the game though was the incredible bias of some fans around us. Yes, he's frustrating and we overpaid. But he was right to hold on to the ball instead of trying to beat the whole defence when we broke with him in possession but only two teammates with him and six Udinese defenders back. And it certainly wasn't his fault when Shelvey hit the ball behind him and it went out for a throw-in. In both cases I heard someone (different people) say, "****ing hell, Downing, useless."

Overall, result apart, it was enjoyable and entertaining - the first time in a very long time I've been able to say that when actually at the game. I think the defending will get better, and it won't just be because of Lucas' return, although that must help. The trouble is that the system and style makes defending very complex. It's fluid and dynamic rather than relying primarily on systems and structure and shape. At the moment when we lose the ball in the wrong place or at the wrong time there are just too many holes, and the other team finds one of these every so often, and a goal or near-miss results.

Although that doesn't explain the header in the half - good to see such a fantastic save from Reina. He deserved better than the poor defending in front of him for all three goals.

It's been too long since I went to Anfield and it was just great to be back there - YNWA reminded me just how amazing a club it is.

By the way, how long has there been that little collection of food vans and bouncy castles behind Anfield Road?

[Daniel 7]

Did anybody in the commentary pick up on the fact that their reserve keeper used to play for us? The truly awful Daniele Padelli...

[Neil Young]

I knew I recognised the name.

I kept thinking it was familiar because I was muddling it up with that Daniela Nardini from This Life.

[Daniel 7]

Sahin's skills in the pre match warm up were amazing. He was juggling with tricks then passing it to Raheem who would try the same and not quite manage it.

He's some player.

[Captain Stu]

Sahin's skills in the pre match warm up were amazing. He was juggling with tricks then passing it to Raheem who would try the same and not quite manage it.

He's some player.

We need to be courting the guy seriously and trying as much as we can to convince him to stay. No doubt that we're a better team with him both in the starting line up and even in the squad putting pressure on others.

[BigChief]

not his fault, really. as a defender who likes to get into the oppo box and smash the odd header in he just saw that cross, saw the attacker was going to miss it, and thought **** it, thats too good to miss, its going begging...

Made me laugh out a bit louder than I should have at work. Shame he didn't aim straight for the keeper like at the other end.