The case of using Downing as a Wing-back

[Jairzinho]

Because we do not use Full backs in the traditional sense; we use them to provide width to attack....

He would not be strictly a left back..

 

This could prove to be a stumbling block.

[Section_31]

I'd do this to him instead and tell him to stop pissing his pants and be a man.

 

[WhiskeyJar]

This could prove to be a stumbling block.

 

If I may state case counselor;

 

1. Downing operated pretty much as a winger with a natural crossing ability whilst at Aston Villa; he has never needed to learn how to move in a team that uses short passes to break down defences. Instead he always run in a straight line and crossed it; his style of attack.
   
2. If he is operating as Wing Back, then he has to learn how to move with short passes and push up.
   
3. Using his pace will be a problem for opposite wingers that need to pick him up; in that sense he will have to work with lets say Sterling to make the left side of attack more formidable, something that he never had to do before.
   

 

The only question is, does have the tactical mind to defend against attackers?

[CSR]

After what he's shown last season, and the earlier parts of this season, you have to say it is worth trying something different. We spent £20 million on him which was always too much, but we did think we'd got a lot more for our money than we have, so I see no harm in trying it out in a league cup game. People may argue that it will stunt robinsons growth, but I think that if downing is used as a wing back it would be in more of a three four three rather than a four three three, which means that we can gain more of an attacking threat from full back when chasing the game, and Robinson can still be used as back up to Enrique when needed

[Nasty Lizard]

Even if that were all true, he can't defend.

Stop trying to reinvent the wheel. You don't make an attacker a defender at the age of 28.

 

Chris Sutton, Ruud Gullitt, Glen Hoddle, Jason McAteer, Dion Dublin?

Edited August 29, 2012 by nastylizard
Paul Warhurst was to shit to mention

[TheHowieLama]

Chris Sutton, Ruud Gullitt, Glen Hoddle, Jason McAteer, Dion Dublin?

 

with the exception of Dublin that is all evidence for the prosecution

[DanDanShaw]

I'd rather just sell him like.

[Unrighteous]

I'd rather just sell him like.

 

Oh, didn't realize it was just that easy. We've had no interest, contact, or even a casual sounding out.

[Razoray]

with the exception of Dublin that is all evidence for the prosecution

 

And Sutton as well as Gullit their careers started at the back.

[ChicagoRed]

Give it to the lad! He had a great game tonight! He has dramatically extended our options and put pressure on Enrique, who has been too cool to many times. Good move, Stewart! Great move, Brendan.

[Robinson]

He`s staying, so you have to give it a go.If we are brutally truthful,how bad is he going to be?

Worse than already there?I think he`s on par.Look at he stagnation of Kelly-his head down running and crossing akin to shots are not anybody`s future.Least of all his, when Coates is played against the champions.Enrique gets dribble mania when outlets are proffered in his own half...........harakiri.

I`m sure that the manager knows when to ease him into this new position and when not.

[A_S]

He can cross a much better ball in than Enrique, I'll give him that much. Looked dangerous at times tonight.

[LFC 6 Times]

Enriques a quality defender lets not forget, downing was not tested defensively.

[DooooodekNo5]

Hes a disaster waiting to happen at left back.

[spider-neil]

Far play to Downing, he had a good game at left back. Will be interesting to see if Rodgers has the guts to play him there against better opposition.

[A_S]

Enriques a quality defender lets not forget, downing was not tested defensively.

 

Agreed 100%. But you would also have to say Enrique's crossing leaves a LOT to be desired, especially when compared to Downing, as it seems to be the one thing he can do well on a consistent basis. His lack of a league goal from last season was absolutely down to him, his lack of a league assist was most definitely not.

[WhiskeyJar]

Downing had a great game and linked up well the midfield, was playing a bit more positive in the wing back position than an out and out winger.

[skend04]

Major issue with this. He didn't have the courage to play in his natural position and a switch back could hamper the progress of Robinson. Why the fuck BR didn't include Downing in his comments about not being able to afford to keep multi-million pound players on the bench I can't fathom.

[WhiskeyJar]

Major issue with this. He didn't have the courage to play in his natural position and a switch back could hamper the progress of Robinson. Why the fuck BR didn't include Downing in his comments about not being able to afford to keep multi-million pound players on the bench I can't fathom.

 

One name that describes this situation:

 

Insua...

[Rick Sanchez C-137]

Major issue with this. He didn't have the courage to play in his natural position and a switch back could hamper the progress of Robinson. Why the fuck BR didn't include Downing in his comments about not being able to afford to keep multi-million pound players on the bench I can't fathom.

 

He mentioned "a winger on 4-5 million". I assumed he was referring to Downing.

[Brownie]

 

He mentioned "a winger on 4-5 million". I assumed he was referring to Downing.

 

He was talking about Joe Cole.