However, despite the negative light these stats could put on Downing I feel there is a much better explanation for his season statistics so far – it is more-than-likely that the very large 0’s next to Downing’s name are symptomatic of Liverpool’s impotency in front of goal. Because while it came as a great surprise to me that he had notched up zero assists, I have seen him set up dozens of chances for his team-mates but they won’t ever count and will be consigned to history, no matter how impressive his build-up play; it is only the end-product that is remembered.
If they had scored just 5% more of those 154 opportunities we’ve created Downing’s assist column would look far healthier. So while he drastically needs to improve his chances-into-goals ratio (much like the entire rest of the team, as I’ve pointed out twice recently) his assists statistics will start to improve naturally, once his team-mates starts putting away some of the excellent chances he has been creating for them week-on-week.
It is just a shame for Downing that his position sees him judged on goals created and – to a lesser extent – goals scored, as if it wasn’t for the whole squad’s profligacy in front of goal, his promising start to the season would have instead become an excellent start to his Liverpool career.
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Downing hasn’t been creating quality chances – simple as
He’s been good but I know he can be even better because he has all the attributes to make a great winger. The fact that we are the most wasteful team in the entire league isn’t helping Downing’s case at all, he’d have many assists right now if we had someone like Cavani or Higuain up front. He put in 2 match winning crosses against Utd, both missed. Put in one for Carroll who hit the post from 3 yards out etc…he’s hit the bar himself against Sunderland in the first game, and also scored a superb volley which was saved against Bolton I think it was. Against Norwich he put in 9 balls into the box, 5 were met, all missed. He also had 4 shots blocked and missed 1. He’s just very unlucky at the moment and we as a team are in fact, once we start bagging in goals for fun he’ll climb up the assist charts. Won’t be long now.
great article.
came across this site recently and thumbs up.
I think judgement is reserved on many of our new players precisely because of this profligacy.
The great thing is we’re creating like crazy, and given an extra final pass on a few of them we’d have a fine tally of goals.
Much to look forward to.
Good article. Downing has created numerous chances. In fact I recently saw this statistic that he is in the top 3 players at LFC creating chances at the moment. Just look at the crosses he has put in for Caroll (Or Kuyt against Norwich). It aint his fault that he is not getting many assists.
Downing is a great player and he isnt being recognized for it.
Thank you for this article. Finally some sense from someone. People like Jay Wright (above) need to shut up and stop being so negative.
Jaimie kanwar needs to read this
Dont worry steward, you have got the support of everone in the Liverpool fraternity. Dont let anyting distract you.