BBC Sport<\/em>.<\/p>\n“I like him very much as a player and I am certain he will be a very big asset to them.”<\/p>\n
“Stewart is a very modern player. He can attack and defend and was involved in so many goals for Villa last season.<\/p>\n
“He is one of the best crossers of a ball in the Premier League with either his right or left foot and is very skillful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Downing was Liverpool\u2019s second big-money signing of the summer following the arrival of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland, and Houllier believes his versatility will be a key benefit for Kenny Dalglish next season.<\/p>\n
“He operates well on either side. I played him on the left but he also likes to play on the right, where he can cut inside and pose problems,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n
“He is adaptable and versatile and of course all managers appreciate that.<\/p>\n
“He picks up the details that can be so important. He has played for England but I now think he is ready to go on and confirm and consolidate his career as an international.\u201d<\/p>\n
Downing made 44 appearances for Houllier’s side last season, and was one of Villa\u2019s star performers in what was a disappointing season, and the Frenchman singled the winger out as someone he could always rely on to give 100 per cent on the pitch.<\/p>\n
“I very much enjoyed working with him at Aston Villa.<\/p>\n
“Along with Ashley Young, he really improved his game. He is a good trainer, works hard and is that modern player.<\/p>\n
“Stewart is also a team-player and if you are under the cosh he is willing to do more than his normal job, which is a very important quality.<\/p>\n
It is Downing\u2019s professionalism and consistency that really impressed Houllier, and clearly Dalglish, and seeing the winger move to the North West left him with a tinge of disappointment despite him joining another club close to the Frenchman\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
“As a coach or manager, Stewart is a player who never disappoints you,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
“Over 10 games he will give you nine very good performances and this is why I think he will be a good signing for Liverpool.<\/p>\n
“It was disappointing that Villa couldn’t keep Stewart, but when a player does not want to sign a new contract you have to get the best deal you can and then find a replacement, which is what I am sure Villa will do.”<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Continue reading here:
\nStewart Downing will be a \u2018very big asset\u2019 for Liverpool \u2013 former boss Gerard Houllier<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Alex Fisher 18 Jul 2011 20:51:00 Stewart Downing, England (Getty Images) Related Links Teams Players Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has predicted new Reds signing Stewart Downing will be a huge success on Merseyside. The former Villa and Middlesbrough winger signed for the Reds last week after completing a move, believe to be \u00a320 million,from the Midlands side. Houllier, who worked closely with Downing during his spell at Villa Park last season, praised the winger\u2019s abilities and predicted a bright future for the player<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-463534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\n
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![\"Stewart](\"http:\/\/u.goal.com\/61900\/61985_news.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>\n