Downs makes Volkspark debut: HSV signing shares intriguing verdict | OneFootball

Despite 26 shots on goal, HSV had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Gladbach on Saturday afternoon. Damion Downs, who made his home debut, was also in the spotlight.

As early as the fourth minute, the newcomer could have secured the lead. After a shot by Ransford Königsdörffer, Gladbach's keeper Moritz Nicolas deflected the ball to the side. Downs was waiting for the rebound but slipped at the crucial moment.

The striker detailed the scene afterwards: "I was actually there for the second ball. It went a bit further out, so I had to change my run. I slipped during the change of direction."

Downs did not want to use the external conditions—many players struggled with their footing—as an excuse. On the contrary, he explained soberly, "I even had iron studs on. But that's football." The early scene was emblematic of the entire afternoon, which HSV dominated but once again failed to convert their chances into goals. In the 58th minute, the Southampton loanee missed another promising opportunity with a header.

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Downs praises "pretty good" HSV pressing

Despite the poor output in front of the opponent's goal, Downs drew an overall positive conclusion. This was especially true for his moments outside the penalty area. The striker also sees himself responsible for work against the ball. After the final whistle, he explicitly praised the pressing behavior of the Hamburg attackers: "I think the pressing was pretty good."

Downs particularly highlighted the coordination with Königsdörffer. The work against the ball, already a strength of the lightning-fast and athletic attacker, was "extremely fun" alongside his teammate. And yet, many HSV fans will hope that their striking duo will soon be defined by scoring goals as well.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.