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[red g]

nope he's just been less ****

he's done ok, at times his lack of defensive experience is more than evident, but when we're at home and trying to press teams, his overlapping and crossing, which is also less **** when he plays as a defender, are very useful

He is adequate when he has Enrique playing like a nutter in front of him......he does more than enough work for both of them!

[BigChief]

That's unfair Shaggy, you're right professionals should never switch off but I've seen enough do so. Johnson's had his fair share in the past too - and he is a bona fide fullback.

Downing's best game at LB was our last one ironically, one where Enrique wasn't playing. If he can perform like that again we should be ok on that wing.

[Fredo]

Yeah Shaggy's very harsh. Downing can perform decently at left back. He's better there than at LW imo. Of course, I'd like Robinson to play there more regularly but it seems he isn't doing enough to impress BR.

[The_weatherman]

A front three of

Cole - Suarez - Suso


maybe? Could be interesting IMO. Unless Downing is upfront with Wisdom and Johnson at fullback, which IMO would be

[Shaggy]

That's unfair Shaggy, you're right professionals should never switch off but I've seen enough do so. Johnson's had his fair share in the past too - and he is a bona fide fullback.

Downing's best game at LB was our last one ironically, one where Enrique wasn't playing. If he can perform like that again we should be ok on that wing.

When was the last time Johnson just stood still in acres of space at the far post and let an attacker just jog past him and score? It was schoolboy stuff, really piss poor.

Yeah Shaggy's very harsh. Downing can perform decently at left back. He's better there than at LW imo. Of course, I'd like Robinson to play there more regularly but it seems he isn't doing enough to impress BR.

Not harsh at all. Like I said if anyone should be blamed it's Rodgers - just like when he played Henderson at right back and, shock horror, Henderson ****ed up and the opposition scored. Round pegs, round holes please.

[Tee]

When was the last time Johnson just stood still in acres of space at the far post and let an attacker just jog past him and score? It was schoolboy stuff, really piss poor.

Not harsh at all. Like I said if anyone should be blamed it's Rodgers - just like when he played Henderson at right back and, shock horror, Henderson ****ed up and the opposition scored. Round pegs, round holes please.

[The Birdman]

Shaggy is spot on.
My lad is 12 and plays academy level football as a left back and when he saw it he said thats rubbish Dad, his body shape is all wrong and he had no idea where Lennon was.

Presume we're talking about the 2nd goal conceeded at Spurs away?

Yes it happens, yes regular full backs have done it but that doesn't make it right.

[Mostar]

Yeah Shaggy's very harsh. Downing can perform decently at left back. He's better there than at LW imo. Of course, I'd like Robinson to play there more regularly but it seems he isn't doing enough to impress BR.

I think that says all how terrible he is when you (me as well) see him better as a LB than as a LW.

That said, it is not that he is better as a LB but that he is less **** as someone pointed our earlier.

I don't blame him for mistakes that he made in LB role (like Lennon goal etc.) as he is really never played in that position and he just doesn't have good positional sense, defensive qualities or instincts to play effectively in that position.

Our squad is paper thin and this is what you get coz of that.

[DannyMan2006]

He was fantastic against West Ham when moved to LB. FANTASTIC. Anyone who says otherwise holds a grudge.

He has been piss poor since he's been here for the most part and what he did against Spurs was ridiculous, but he was a colossus against West Ham. Threw himself at everything, I thought he was Carra a few times, couldn't believe it was him.

Not a LB, but he could become one. He'll make mistakes a long the way, as happens when learning a new position, but he has the potential. If he can be moved on, great.

If not, with Enriques improved form, Downing getting better and Robinson waiting, I see no need for a LB. have another look in the summer.

[yamiedo]

He was fantastic against West Ham when moved to LB. FANTASTIC. Anyone who says otherwise holds a grudge.

He has been piss poor since he's been here for the most part and what he did against Spurs was ridiculous, but he was a colossus against West Ham. Threw himself at everything, I thought he was Carra a few times, couldn't believe it was him.

Not a LB, but he could become one. He'll make mistakes a long the way, as happens when learning a new position, but he has the potential. If he can be moved on, great.

If not, with Enriques improved form, Downing getting better and Robinson waiting, I see no need for a LB. have another look in the summer.

I'd have Robinson ahead of Downing any day of the week because I think out of any young full-backs we have (Flanagan, Kelly, Wisdom) he looks the most self-assured and reliable. Also Downing is getting older and on massive wages. Robinson is talented with his whole career ahead of him.

[RedReet]

I'd have Robinson ahead of Downing any day of the week because I think out of any young full-backs we have (Flanagan, Kelly, Wisdom) he looks the most self-assured and reliable. Also Downing is getting older and on massive wages. Robinson is talented with his whole career ahead of him.

Yet out of all of them he plays in our weakest position but seems to be furthest away from the first team. I know he's the youngest too, but must be a reason Rodgers doesn't think he's ready.

[yamiedo]

Yet out of all of them he plays in our weakest position but seems to be furthest away from the first team. I know he's the youngest too, but must be a reason Rodgers doesn't think he's ready.

I reckon he has a lot of talent. Think he will turn into a Leighton Baines type of player. He is pretty decent going forward already and defensively solid. He didn't put a foot wrong when playing under Dalglish last season. Not sure what Brendan thinks. Probably because there is so much youth in the team he is trying to balance it with as much experience as possible. Also, another suggestion is he could be trying to put Downing in the shop window.

[RedReet]

I reckon he has a lot of talent. Think he will turn into a Leighton Baines type of player. He is pretty decent going forward already and defensively solid. He didn't put a foot wrong when playing under Dalglish last season. Not sure what Brendan thinks. Probably because there is so much youth in the team he is trying to balance it with as much experience as possible. Also, another suggestion is he could be trying to put Downing in the shop window.

I think he's a good player too, but I can't understand why so many people have him rated so far ahead of our other young FB's. My theory is because he's had less first team exposure and less chance to **** up, so going on his reserve form and reputation, people assume he's better.

Not saying that's what you're doing BTW, a lot of people share your opinion, this was just the one I quoted.

Although he's actually played more this year under Rodgers than Kenny used him last year as he only played 2 CC games against lower league opposition.

[yamiedo]

I think he's a good player too, but I can't understand why so many people have him rated so far ahead of our other young FB's. My theory is because he's had less first team exposure and less chance to **** up, so going on his reserve form and reputation, people assume he's better.

Not saying that's what you're doing BTW, a lot of people share your opinion, this was just the one I quoted.

Although he's actually played more this year under Rodgers than Kenny used him last year as he only played 2 CC games against lower league opposition.

What about against Arsenal? When he dealt with Walcott so professionally. That was the game I thought he really stood out more than the others.

[RedReet]

What about against Arsenal? When he dealt with Walcott so professionally. That was the game I thought he really stood out more than the others.

He was outstanding that game but that was the year before.