The Difficulty with Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing is often very high on many people’s list as the most ineffective footballer in the Premier League. Long goal droughts without even adding an assist has seen Downing become the subject of much derision over recent seasons.

Games would often just pass him by, leading pundits and fans alike to question his commitment to the game. I once noticed the Wikipedia page in his name had been altered. Someone had changed his place of birth from Middlesbrough to ‘Can’t score street’. Wherever that is I’m not exactly sure.

Belief

However, for all the derision, Downing has won over the belief of the only person that matters; Brendan Rodgers. From the start of the season Raheem Sterling had stolen all the headlines as the new up and coming sensation.

His breakthrough at the start of the season was heralded by many in the English sports media as the arrival of the tricky wide man the national team has lacked for so long now.  However, as the season progressed into November and December, Sterling began to find himself on the team sheet less often.

His initial spark and flair had faded and his performances reflected this. Sterling certainly does have the potential to become a great footballer but for now he has been demoted to the Liverpool bench. And it is Downing who is keeping him there.

Determination

Downing’s determination is unquestionable. Since his move to Liverpool in July 2011 for £20million, Downing has been heavily criticised for his lack of consistency. Back in September, Brendan Rodgers had issued Downing with an ultimatum; ‘up your game or your gone at Christmas’.  

He added that “Stewart is a good guy but it hasn’t quite worked out for him as he would want it. The big challenge for him now is that commitment to the cause – to fight – because he has the qualities.”

Such stark words seems to be just what Downing needed because he has responded well and forced his way back into the first 11.

Consistency

Downing has now started the last 13 games in a row for Liverpool in the Premier League. Selection consistency like that in the Liverpool team is only enjoyed by Gerard, Suarez, Johnson, Agger and Reina.

He has now become one of the players that Brendan Rodgers has come to rely on week in, week out. That can only speak volumes about the strength of Downing’s commitment to Liverpool football club.

His contribution to the team going forward has also begun to improve over recent weeks. In his last 11 games Downing has scored twice and added four assists. These are not the most amazing stats you will ever read about a wide left player but they must be considered in context.

Liverpool are a team where almost all of their attacks must go through the feet of Steven Gerard. When Gerard receives the ball in the centre of the field he will always look for the quick pass down the channels to Luis Suarez. As deadly as we know Suarez to be playing off the shoulder like this, it can make it difficult for a wide player to contribute.

Signs

But Downing is beginning to find his way. His goal on Saturday against Wigan was something I’m sure Brendan Rodgers was pleased to see. Rather than holding his wide left position, like he so often does, as the ball came down the right, he sensed an opportunity and foraged into the penalty area. He was able to take advantage of the poor marking and score a simple header.

Instinct like that is the reason Liverpool bought him from Aston Villa in the first place. Albeit he is a long way from the promise he showed for Middlesbrough during their amazing run to the 2006 Uefa cup final but he would seem to be on the right track.

How long Downing has left with Liverpool would seem to be up to himself at this point. He has worked his way back on to the right side of the manager and the fans for the time being. It would seem the real difficulty with Stewart Downing is that he refuses to give up.