There have been many great strikers and wingers rumoured with West Ham this season; Sterling, Emenike, Kalou to name a few. Recently the Hammers have displayed their interest in none other than Liverpool’s Stewart Downing, with many reliable sources reporting that a fee has been agreed and a medical is scheduled for today.
Downing of whom has had a frustrating season at Liverpool to say the least, only bagged 3 goals and 5 assists in 25 premier league appearances last term. This has sent many West Ham fans into turmoil after being promised that the club were looking to buy a ‘goal scoring winger’.
Personally and I’m sure many will agree, I feel that the capture of Downing for £6 million is an absolute steal, the man was at the top of his game at Aston Villa and earned a deserved big money move to Liverpool. Unfortunately I feel that Downing has been played in the wrong position at Liverpool as well as being put Into a team that he will not be able to benefit with his crossing and finishing ability as he is often played too far wide with no large players for him to reach with crosses.
I feel that Downing’s services would benefit us greatly as we would have two wingers renowned four their crossing in Jarvis and Downing either side of Carroll, it would be an absolute dream for Carroll, I’m sure. Last season our definitely weak link in my opinion was Vaz Te, he seemed lethargic on the ball and has such a poor work rate that many would think he had been deprived of sleep. He attempts ridiculous shots, wasting possession and is no where near as fast as people seem to think.
As a replacement for Vaz Te, Downing fits the bill. He is not wasteful or lazy, he is dedicate to the cause and will always work his socks off. Those who are complaining that Downing is another excuse to play 4-3-3 should wonder if perhaps 4-3-3 is the route to go Down (excuse the pun), after a highly successful season of which we never broke the habit of playing this formation, maybe it’s time we gave Big Sam a break as he has worked magic into this team.
Allardyce is known for motivating players at low points in their careers and I’m sure if Downing completes his move to West Ham he will also complete a transition back into the player he once was. This is a risky move from the clubs point of view as many fans feel that Downing is ‘past it’ but if the man is willing to put on the claret and blue of West Ham United, then I will most certainly make him feel welcome. We all must get behind him, he could become a great asset to a brilliant team.
Only four more days, come on you Irons!