Downing will be a good buy. It will be for more than most think he is worth but thats just how football is now. He has EPL experience and is young enough to last a good few years. He's also better than people give him credit for. People say we need a winger that is a good crosser to supply Carrol and that is what Downing is. From all i've heard of Mata, he likes to come inside which means no crosses for Carrol.
I actually find this argument of Carroll needs a crosser bizare. We all know he can head a ball but hell so can Kuyt and Suarez but does that mean the only possible way for those guys to score is through their heads? Good service doesn't necessarily mean crossing. Hendersen and Gerrard as well as our other creative midfielders such as Aqua and Meireles will be pivotal in supplying those lads. Carroll does not need a crosser and I would certainly settle for Mata instead. Downing is a good player am not saying hes bad but his price raises many eyebrows.
