but how much was he for real? - not the sky sports figure. (i.e. 20M for henderson (really 13-16); 26 for Torres (really 21); 9m for Adam (really 6.5M))
Owners seem to be prepared to back up Kenny and spend whatever it takes to get the players Kenny wants. I am happy with that. it's not my money. in the past few seasons we have failed to get some targeted players because our previous owners were too cheap to pay the price. That era seems to be over. i think Downing will provide balance and width, something severly lacking for a long time Good luck to him
Didn't matter what Kenny spent for Blackburn. We've got the revenue to backup spending. We're getting players we can get at this juncture with our stature. We're getting players who will fit in, provide something to the squad, and hopefully build a "team concept".
It is nice that we are getting the players the manager wants. Rather than having to settle for the second option. With the old owners, this is how the exchange would go Manager: Hello owner, I would like to purchase Stewart Downing Owner: Well. He is kind of expensive. So we will give you half of what you need to buy him. Find something else. Manager: I suppose there is always Charles N'Zogbia. Owner: He is a left winger right? Manager: Yes, but...Stewart Downing is better Owner: They are both left wingers. Same thing. Buy Chuck.
This signing makes us better than Arsenal should they lose one of Nasri/Fabregas, in my opinion. Top 4 is looking better and better as the summer goes on. Keep'em coming, Kenny
I'll add my support to LB's support. If Kenny wanted him, then it's great that he aquired him. I'm one of those guys who have to see if I have enough money in my wallet when I want a cup of designer coffee when I'm out. But I don't think for one minute that buying players is a problem for me or at the other end of the money scale for the owners of the club. Why in the hell are we posting and wailing about the money we're paying for players. You don't hear Chelsea, the Arse, or the scum supporters saying "We paid too much for the team and all we get are Prem titles." You don't buy the right players, you don't win titles. Simple as that. Or do you just want to say. "Well we got to seventh place again this season, we did well with the inexpensive players we had though."
Downing is going to be a very good player for us. He brings more to the table than Riera, who was a bit of a revelation and an absolutely vital player in a year where we challenged the Scum till damn near the very end. Riera's dip in form (and injury, and attitude) his second year was a huge reason we struggled. Downing is a no fuss, no frills player who will do a job. Can't wait to see how he adapts to a bigger stage. I have high hopes and big expectations. A few years ago he was a punchline to Rafa transfer target jokes; today, he's a more mature, refined player who will put his head down and do a job. Cannot wait to see him link up with Carroll (and to a lesser extent, El Pistolero Suarez). What a remarkable change in ownership. Between the Jan. window and mid-July, they've spent appr. £100M, selling an unwanted has-been for £50M. Wrap up Cissokho and it's been a very, very good summer. The efficiency with which they've done their business is also impressive. Under Parry and the Owners Who Shall Not Be Named, we would've played grab-ass and not gotten the players in until it was too late to implement tactics and training. Henry signs the check sharpish. We're gonna hit the ground running.
This what I was just about to come post here, after I thought about it awhile. Downing can whip in a good cross and a good corner/set piece. Carroll, Suarez, and Kuyt could all benefit from that service. Also, I am comfortable with Downing in a 4 man or a 5 man midfield. Often times our other wingers on either side could be seen as defensive liabilities. I don't see Downing as that, but maybe I am wrong.
Let's hope he doesn't turn into an expensive, left-sided Jermaine Pennant who largely preferred to cross the ball all day long, no matter who was or wasn't in the box instead of, for example, taking a chance and trying to beat his man either by going past him or playing a one-two with a team-mate and then put pressure on one of the centre-halves.
Have you ever seen him play? There is no comparison to Pennant except they both are described as wingers.
That's reassuring, because I though Pennant had much more to bring but preferred the safe options most of the time.
Downing is a good mid-table Premiership pro, but not a world beater. He can cross a ball, but has to be played in as he does'nt beat anyone one-on-one as he is not quick and does'nt have a change of pace. Unlike most wingers he will track back and help the full back which should be useful as Liverpool don't seem to have a left back at the moment. He's probably a bit overpriced but he will do a decent job.
Downing does not have blazing top speed, but good change of pace. He can burst into a nice little run and can beat a defender too. His consistency of crossing is his best attribute. Should do well.
Here is compilation vid of Downing last season. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s38jnV1FyKo&feature=player_embedded"]Stewart Downing | Welcome To Liverpool | Goals & Assists 2010/2011 | ?HD 720p?‏ - YouTube[/ame]
At least half of his assists came when playing on the right wing. He plays in an excellent cross with his right foot as well. Since Suarez loves pulling out to the left side, I wonder if Downing will get a lot of action on the right.
His dad did a large interview where he talked about training young Stewart with a weighted left boot, forcing him to use his right and become more ambidextrous
Yeh, and Torres used to be a striker. Good mid table player these days. Scored more against Chelsea last season than he scored for them...2 in what, 20 matches. 50 million pounds. Probably a bit overpriced. Thanks for your valuable input.
I saw that interview too. Here it is: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896...ll-get-20-goals-a-season-easy-just-on-stewart According to Downing's dad, he is a very good player