‘Monstrous’ Flynn Downes verdict emerges as midfielder proves he has a future with West Ham United
When it was announced that Declan Rice would be leaving West Ham United for Arsenal this summer, many wondered how David Moyes would set up his midfield without his captain.
One name that was repeatedly suggested to take over the reins in the middle of the park was Flynn Downes, who had joined the ranks at the London Stadium from Swansea City in the summer of 2022 but struggled to make a mark in Moyes’ side.
As Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse arrived to replace Rice, Downes headed the other way, joining Southampton in the Championship for the season and Saints manager Russell Martin has been impressed with the 24-year-old recent performances.
As quoted by the Southern Daily Echo (3 October) Martin said: “In transition, we were really good. Flynn was monstrous today and it has been the Flynn we know in the last two games. He’s been outstanding.”
In Southampton’s 1-0 away win over Stoke City, Downes was integral to everything positive that Martin’s side completed, having a huge 76 touches in the contest, completing 93 per cent of 55 attempted passes and creating one big chance for his teammates [Fotmob].
On top of that the 24-year-old completed 100 per cent of his attempted dribbles, long passes and tackles while passing into the final third four times. Defensively he was no slouch either, making four interceptions, winning five ground duels and completing six ball recoveries.
The performance against the Potters came off of the back of an impressive display against Leeds United, where Downes, Will Smallbone and Stuart Armstrong, ran the game against the Whites’ strong pairing of Glen Kamara and Ethan Ampadu.
While West Ham are coping well without the midfielder in their ranks, given how well Ward-Prowse and Alvarez have begun their careers in East London, should Downes continue to go from strength to strength in the Championship, he could well prove to be success in claret and blue yet.
It is never easy for a player to make the transition from the Championship to the Premeir League, but the 24-year-old clearly has the technical ability to play in the top-flight, now he just has to show that he can make that step up. Running matches in England’s second-tier will do his confidence a world of good.
He may not have been the Rice replacement that Moyes and Rice needed so desperately this summer. However in 12 months time he could be a valuable addition to the Irons ranks in midfield.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have reportedly targeted a Bundesliga ace as a new striker target