Stewart Downing though not the quickest, is a line-hugging left footed winger-the type that Liverpool have needed for a long time. He will provide the width they need, as well as the creativity and crosses to supply the main men up front. He is also not afraid to drop back and cover and this is something he may have to do more of, with Enrique not afraid to get forward.
Jose Enrique is a top player, and unlucky not to be in the Spanish side, though it is hard for anyone to break into it at the moment. He is strong as an ox, and extremely difficult to shake off the ball, there are few that have managed to get past him regularly. He will provide the stability at the back that Liverpool need as well as a forward option. His overlapping runs alongside Downing will provide a real creative outlet for the reds. His skillful attacking runs from deep and link up play up the field, will see him and Downing providing a constant threat on the left hand side.
Both players looked impressive in the opener, Downing in particular provided good balance on the left, highlighting the benefit of having left footers on the left flank. Once the two settle in and start to gel, Liverpool should have a wealth of creativity and options down that side. In fact the partnership could prove so prosperous that it starts to show up the Liverpool right hand side as somewhat lacking in comparison.
The article was written by Lauren Rutter for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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This week it is LFC WAG Carly Zucker!!
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A few weeks ago, Downing was with Glen Johnson equal fastest runner at LFC. (Gerrard is up there too, if he regains his pace when he recovers).
Even allowing that Enrique may be faster, that still leaves Downing top 2!
okey…
…………coates……..agger…….
…..kelly……..lucas………enrique
johnson…..gerrard…adam……….downing
……………….suarez………………
this is liverpool…look what they can do..
sub
Reina > Doni
Coates > Cara
Agger > Skertel
Kelly > Flanagan
gerrard > hendo / Caroll
johnson > meireles
adam > Jonjo
Lucas > Spearing
downing > maxi
Enrique > Aurelio / insua /robo
Suarez > Suso
sell > Pulsen > 3 million
> Ngog > 4 million
> Kyut > 9 million
> Aquilani > 10 million
> Cole > 4 million
> soto – free
> nabil – free
bring in :
> Coates – 10 million
> Doyle – 10 million