Downing: New signings key

Stewart Downing believes competition for places is the reason for Liverpool's recent upturn in form.

Last Updated: 10/03/13 at 15:06 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Stewart Downing and Daniel Sturridge: New arrivals have increased competition fo

Stewart Downing and Daniel Sturridge: New arrivals have increased competition fo

The Anfield board sanctioned expensive January moves for Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, both of whom scored on their full debuts.

And Downing reckons the pair's arrival has created an edge in the squad responsible for 12 goals in three straight wins - six of them for Luis Suarez.

He told the club website: "It's all come together. Even at the start of the season, we were creating a lot of chances but maybe didn't have that killer instinct.

"Now, every chance Suarez gets he seems to be finishing. Coutinho has come in and added a bit, as has the arrival of Daniel Sturridge.

"The competition for places also helps. It's healthy for the team and the club.

"If we can keep the core of the squad together and the manager can add a few more, which is highly likely he will do, I think we've got a great chance next season.

"It was obviously going to take time to adjust under Brendan Rodgers. We're all enjoying playing in the way we do - the passing, moving and scoring goals - but I think we've also added steel to our team.

"We're hard to play against and not conceding that many goals, so I think the all-round picture at the moment is looking very good."

Liverpool go into the final 10 games of the season with 10 points to make up on fourth-placed Chelsea, but Downing has not given up on Champions league qualification.

He said: "The target is to try and win as many games as possible - we have to. If we want to challenge for the top four, we have to win nearly every game.

"We're doing quite well at the moment and we've still got a chance. It's going to be difficult - but we still have a chance."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

S

wap deal with ITV. Can't wait to see Stuart Pearce and Roy Keane giving each other the evils.

rambo
Southgate tipped for U-21 job

J

oe has signed John Scales instead.

rambo
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

D

oes the medical involve some sort of dressage event?

shabtastic
Carroll set for Hammers medical

Footer 365

Spurs favourites to sign Bernard

The agent of Atletico Mineiro midfielder Bernard claims Tottenham are the "only contenders" to sign the Brazilian at the moment.

Franco Baldini joins Tottenham staff as technical director

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Franco Baldini as their new technical director.

Transfer News: Sunderland make loan offer for Udinese striker Matej Vydra

Sunderland have made a loan offer to Udinese for Matej Vydra, the Czech Republic striker's agent has confirmed.

Mail Box

One Guy's Genuinely Irked About Fixtures

A Gooner in the Mailbox seems to genuinely think that the world/fixture computer is against his team. Sigh. That, plus more cool footballers & Mike Ashley: Supervillain...

Twas The Worst Game I Ever Did See...

In this Mailbox it's England v Algeria in 2010 that is seen as the nadir, but there's potential for worse, surely. Plus, one man says we should praise Rooney's honesty...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved