Downing to play left-back or should he be moved on??

With the arrival of Oussama Assaidi and emergence of teenager Raheem Sterling, Downings hopes of a regular first team role on one of the flanks looks increasingly unlikely.

The 28-year-old England international has struggled to impress on his first season at Anfield, failing to score or collect an assist despite of his 36 Premier League appearances last season.

Rodgers however, believes Downing can be successful in a new left back position similar style to the modern day full back citing Ashley Cole and Jordi Alba as examples.

“It is a big possibility that he can play there,” was Brendan Rodgers’ take on the matter when asked if a move to left back could be in Stewart Downing’s future should he remain at Liverpool past Friday and the close of the transfer window.

“When Middlesbrough reached the UEFA Cup final against Sevilla, he played left-back on that run.

“Stewart has a future as an attacking player but I have had a good chat with him on the role and he is excited about it. There is no point putting a player into a position he doesn’t want to play. But when you speak to someone and tell them what the future could be, along with the qualities that he has, there is no doubt that in the modern game, he could play that role.”

“If you look at the modern day full-backs, Jordi Alba, Ashley Cole—Ashley Cole was a centre-forward. But you looked at Stewart in the half hour against Hearts, he served the ball well, he got forward and defended a couple of times. That is important. I think he is good enough for that.”

What do people think about the idea of Downing being used as our cover for left back? or should we be looking to move him on and bring in another left-back with the funds?

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