Still explains how Downs can become more imposing for Southampton

Damion Downs has not hit the ground running after joining Saints this summer. <i>(Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)</i>
Damion Downs has not hit the ground running after joining Saints this summer. (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)
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MANAGER Will Still encouraged Damion Downs to “pick a fight” with an opposition defender to become more imposing on the pitch after a difficult start at Saints.

Six-foot-three-inch-tall striker Downs had a tough time during his cameo against Liverpool, managing just 19 touches and no shots on goal.

The US international is still waiting to score his first competitive goal for Saints, and has missed good chances to open his account.

Still pointed out that the 21 year old is still getting to grips with English football, having only played in Germany for FC Koln before moving to the south coast.

“We have to encourage him to pick a fight with someone and make it difficult, and then get into the game that way," Still explained when asked how he can make Downs more imposing.

Damion Downs has struggled to make an impact so far at Saints after a summer move from FC Koln(Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

READ: Player ratings as improved Saints performance ends in late defeat at Liverpool

“It’s a work in progress. Not all transfers are going to come in and hit the ground running and click and understand the culture of the league, the opposition, and our team itself.

“Damion started on Saturday and came on tonight, and played a good chunk of the second half. We just need to keep working with him and helping him.

"I think we've got four really good strikers. They're all completely different, all have different profiles. You take into account the opposition.

"It's a fine balance that you need to find with strikers and all the players around them," he concluded.

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