Return to Villa Park for Stewart Downing May Revitalize His Form

English midfielder Stewart Downing evoked high hopes from Liverpool fans after his transfer from Aston Villa went through successfully. A lack of width created several problems for Liverpool over the past couple of years. A hefty problem as a result was the predictability of Liverpool’s attacks, as opponents were well aware that there was a lack of pace on the wings. This lack of versatility resulted in defenses collapsing the middle and making it difficult for Liverpool to carve out goal-scoring opportunities

In 15 EPL appearances, Downing has yet to land an assist or score a goal, a startling statistic to many, after his impressive showing last season for Aston Villa. Although he has underperformed, Downing can consider himself unlucky, as he has hit the post and crossbar this season. He has also suffered from a lack of finishing from his teammates, compromising his potential assist total. That being said, Downing has been disappointing this season. He’s been on a decline ever since his powerful run against Sunderland resulted in a fantastic drive crashing the crossbar in the first game of the season.

Downing is a player who is vital in Liverpool’s hopes of succeeding, not only this season, but for years to come. Downing seems to be the first genuine winger Liverpool has boasted in recent times, as he has the pace, crossing ability and creativity to frighten fullbacks.  Downing improving his form will not only provide chances for players such as Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll, but it will provide another scoring threat. Of the Top 7 clubs in the English Premier League, Liverpool has scored the least amount of goals, and that could quickly change with a revitalized Downing.

Chatter of a menacing Downing-Carroll combination started when transfer talk surrounding Downing last summer surfaced. Not many players in the league can match Downing’s crossing ability, and not many players can match Carroll’s aerial prowess. Downing’s revival necessitates confidence, as he needs to take on players on a more regular basis, and fire in threatening crosses, which can end up in the net through Carroll’s brute strength or Suarez’s evasiveness.  

Not only will Downing provide ammunition for a currently lackluster Carroll, but he will create problems for right backs across the league, with a left flank potentially reminiscent of Chelsea’s two years ago. Chelsea’s combination of Ashley Cole and Florent Malouda frightened managers across the league, and that fear could be rehashed with a firing Stewart Downing and Jose Enrique. Enrique has been remarkable this season and has helped cover for the tame Downing in attack. As Downing finds his form, the left flank for Liverpool could turn into a treasure for their attacks, and could provide plenty of goals. The two left-footed players, when both in form, could create countless opportunities for the strikers Kenny Dalglish decides to put in front of them.  

It’s only a matter of time before Downing recovers his form, the same form that helped him win the Player of the Year Award last year at Aston Villa. When Downing does display his class, and he will, Liverpool will not be looked upon as a misfiring attack for too long. Downing will bring the best out of Liverpool’s strikers and will create endless chances for the strikers to do what they do best: score.