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

W

hat's a Bebe??

godsaveourkeane
Bebe seeking Sporting switch

W

hips, harness and saddlery ? This IS an Onion article.

v. profane
Bale set to trademark logo

I

want to trademark the word football .

herculezbotak
Bale set to trademark logo

Footer 365

Transfer news: Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of his proposed £15million move to Upton Park.

European U21 Championship: Thiago treble secures glory for Spain against Italy

Spain captain Thiago Alcantara hit a hat-trick to help his side secure U21 Euro glory with a 4-2 victory over Italy.

Jermaine Pennant agrees new one-year deal with Stoke City

Jermaine Pennant has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with Stoke City to end speculation he was to leave.

Mail Box

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...

Why Doesn't Suarez Request A Transfer?

The morning mailbox ponders Luis Suarez's current predicament, cool footballers, the Lion City Cup, Spurs' transfer policy, Kanu's absence and lots more...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved