Liverpool’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221 was optimistic that his performance against Arsenal in the previous game will earn him a starting spot when the Reds visit the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland on Saturday.
The English International, who has struggled to cement his place in the team’s first-eleven ever since he arrived at Anfield last summer, plays a more defensive role in Brendan Rodgers model.
Instead of playing him at his usual winger’s position, the Ulsterman has assigned him the left-back role, in order to add an attacking dimension in his backline.
And the 28-year old has so far showed no signs of uneasiness in his new position. After coming on as a substitute in the game against the Gunners, he impressed his manager with his performance, and is expected to assume a regular role in the team’s left-back
position.
Speaking to the reporters during an interview, Downing let out his optimism of securing a starting berth in the Reds next match against the Black Cats.
He revealed that he had no qualms over his manager’s decision of altering his http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684, insisting instead that he is willing to play in any position in order to be a part of the team.
“Hopefully a little cameo role against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 will get me a start against Sunderland. I just want to play, I want to do well and hopefully I can have a good season,” he said.
“I think for me it's a case of being adaptable and playing anywhere. In the modern game, you have to be able to play in two or three positions.”
Downing, who was signed by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 for an estimated 20 million pounds transfer fee from Aston Villa, had earlier played at the left-back spot during his spell at Villa Park.
He also played at the same position for Middlesbrough during their UEFA Cup campaign in 2005-06, and played a crucial role in their march to the final of the competition.
“That year we were always going for the win and I was playing wing-back, similar to how I have done in recent games here at Liverpool,” he added.
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