Crystal Palace are yet to win a single game since they appointed Sam Allardyce in place of Alan Pardew. In the process, they have drawn two games and lost two. A loss to Arsenal was understandable but there is no excuse for a loss against Swansea City and draws against Watford and Bolton Wanderers. However, a manager needs some time to get to know the team he inherited and the same goes for the players and the Eagles fans can hope for better times in near future.
Express Sport claim that Allardyce wants a player he worked with formerly at West Ham United to drag the Eagles out of their recent predicament. The report claims that Stewart Downing is wanted by the south London club on loan and Boro are prepared to let their star man leave. Downing excelled under Allardyce at West Ham a few years ago after big Sam signed him from Liverpool and wants him back at Selhurst Park.
Downing is an experienced Premier League campaigner and his experience will be a big addition to the Eagles. A graduate of the famed academy of Middlesbrough, Downing made his name while playing for the Teessiders before sealing a move to Aston Villa and then Liverpool. The English international could not do justice to his price tag at Liverpool but then found joy while at West Ham under none other than Allardyce.
Downing has always been a quality winger who is known for his excellent crossing ability but Allardyce used the 32-year-old in a whole different role. Downing mostly played as a number ten at West Ham and did an excellent job in that role. With his age, he does not possess the same pace anymore but thanks to his vision, he could still find joy in a central role where does not need to run so much and can pick out passes.
Christian Benteke, a striker who is known for his aerial prowess, would do really well if gets quality service from Downing. Crystal Palace are in dire need of a playmaker and Downing could be their saviour. The Englishman has not been able to impress for Boro at all this season but Allardyce knows his qualities well and knows how to use him. A loan move for the English wideman seems to be a good one for Crystal Palace as well as the player.
