Sam Allardyce has paid Stewart Downing a massive compliment by claiming he is one of the best players he’s ever signed!
The winger has had a great start to the new season and scored a sensational goal against Palace at the weekend during a sparkling performance.
And afterwards Allardyce said: “Yes, he’s one of the best I’ve signed. I think his all round game and qualities are fabulous.
“There is always that one edge that we said we didn’t get last year which was to get a few more goals. But the way he has started this season I think that may be changing.
“He could have scored the winner last week against Tottenham but for a great save by the goalkeeper. He scored a brilliant goal against Palace and that will give him the confidence to go and get four or five for us this year.
“But his all round game; there’s not a better player in our team who handles the ball, manipulates the ball, switches play, provides crosses and then gets back to protect the full back.
“He’s an outstanding player from those angles and if he can get a few more goals he will be even better.”
I have always thought that downing was underrated by certain sections of the hammers faithful possibly due to the fact he was bought at a time when we desperately needed a goalscorer.
It is also possibly true that he didn’t have the best of seasons last year and that he struggled in a struggling team.
But IMO downing has always been class and his form this season and indeed in pre season has gone a long way in proving this.
The key now is not only as BS has stated that he needs to compliment his form with goals but he has to maintain this form more consistency. COYI!