Liverpool FC: Reds Confirm Stewart Downing Signing

With the whole week abuzz with news of Liverpool's current transfer activity and the already useful capture of Roma No. 2 Alexander Doni, Stewart Downing has joined the growing and ever strengthening Anfield outfit for an undisclosed fee. The former Middlesbrough winger put pen to paper and signed a long-term deal with the Reds, adding to a midfield already rife with talent and ability.

Aside from adding a natural width to a seemingly narrow midfield, Downing brings with him pinpoint crosses and a versatility that has been missing in the Liverpool squad for some seasons. His ability to play on either flank and even as a left sided wing back is sure to give Kenny Dalglish a lot of options or at the very least a selection headache.

Signing Downing, the fourth major coup for the Merseyside club and the fourth British player to join Liverpool in the last eight months, reinforces the view that Dalglish is truly rebuilding his team to match his style of play. Being an excellent man manager, the revered Scot will be looking to utilise Downing who has impressed in his spells at both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

Downing will be looking to establish himself in the club instantly and should know better than most what a huge step he has made and the quality required to play for a club of Liverpool's stature.

While some fans may view this signing with sceptically raised eyebrows it has become apparent that the somewhat unusual bias towards British players has something to do with the Liverpool legend's plans.

Even the most cynical observer cannot help but wonder what exactly Dalglish is up to and as each day passes and brings us closer to the opening of the 2011/2012 season, anticipation and excitement around Anfield is building and the fans can hopefully look forward to a rejuvenated and exciting Liverpool squad that may once again strike fear and discord into the most resolute opposition.

This brings Liverpool's busy week to a satisfying close for Kenny Dalglish whose team is set to continue their tour of Asia on Saturday against the Malaysia XI. Only time will tell whether this new look Liverpool squad will gel and put justification to its investment and while the transfers so far have not left fans salivating in excitement all that Kenny requires from them is their continued and unrivaled support.