Stewart Downing came to West Ham United in the summer in a £6million move from Liverpool and, like his former Kopite pal, Andy Carroll, he hasn’t had the best of starts to this season. In fact, he hasn’t made that many starts at all! It was a move that has, in hindsight, frustrated fans, who felt like we really needed a quality back-up striker rather than another midfielder.
I’m not really sure how to rate him so far – I mean, he has had a lengthy spell on the sidelines which saw his progress halted for most of September. You also have to consider the fact that, due to Carroll’s injury, Downing hasn’t had that many heads to attack his crosses when running down the flanks. Well, against Spurs he wouldn’t have had any strikers to aim at at all!
We also played an extremely narrow game against Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to frustrate them and hit them on the counter, which Big Sam orchestrated perfectly, but this wasn’t suited to Downing’s game. He played against Spurs for the full 90 minutes though, which at least shows he is back to full fitness after his injury.
While he’s been fairly decent so far, Downing hasn’t scored any goals or made any assists in his time at West Ham. Although he hasn’t played many games yet, this is still a possible cause for concern. He had a similar first season at Liverpool and I hope his fortunes pick up soon. With the re-signing of Carlton Cole (I can hear some of you groaning), and the return of Andy Carroll in the not too distant future, hopefully Downing will be able to capitalise on his crosses. I’m hoping the best is yet to come and he will grow on me, as I’m left feeling a bit lukewarm by him at the moment.
I think it would be unfair to form a firm opinion on him so early on, especially with his unfortunate start to his time at West Ham. That, and I’m not really convinced either way at the moment – I think we need to see a lot more from Downing before making any sweeping statements about him. Ask me again in January!
What do you think about Stewart Downing? Is he a disappointment or is the best yet to come? Did we need another midfielder? Leave me a comment or tweet me at @alwaysintune.
a waste of 6m pounds should have bought a striker
Wait and see shall we?
Agree with what you say so far!
I think he potentially will be a great signing for us once he settles in properly.
Always liked him to be honest, though was never worth the £20m Liverpool paid.
£6m is alot for a not very in-form, 29 year old winger, but im pretty damn confident we’ll get to see the best of himonce AC/Carlton is in the team.
Also, know everyone wanted a striker with the £6m, but with Jarvis not exactly in form, and Joe Cole not always fit, I think Stewart Downing will prove to be a very decent and very useful signing for us.
Spot on Lawrence. The best is yet to come.