Is there any player who better sums up Liverpool’s decline in recent years than Stewart Downing?
Some may point to former Reds striker Andy Carroll, who deserves consideration due to his huge price-tag. But because of his age, Carroll could still come good and leave Liverpool ruing having let him go.
For Stewart Downing, there seems to be nowhere else to go. Following a promising career at clubs like Middlesborough or Aston Villa, the left-winger has flopped at Anfield.
The step up from mid-table clubs to those competing for Champions League slots is considerable. Stewart Downing has not been able to make this step up and consequently his inability (combined with other weaknesses in the squad) has pulled Liverpool down the Premier League table.
If you sign enough mid-table players, soon enough you become a mid-table club.
The problem for Liverpool is that the Reds spent a lot of money on these players and have struggled to recover as a result. Stewart Downing alone is believed to have cost Liverpool around £20m.
He has scored 7 goals in total for Liverpool and contributed 11 assists in 91 appearances. This is a dismal return for a player with his price-tag and potential.
Prior to his move to Liverpool, he looked ready to make the step up. His pace and power down the wings made him extremely difficult to deal with and his crossing ability made him extremely effective.
He won Aston Villa’s Player of the Year award before moving to Anfield (beating current Manchester United star Ashley Young in the process).
At Liverpool, however, nothing seems to go right for Downing. Watching him play of late is like watching a carpenter try to go about his business with a table knife.
Now it seems that he has fallen behind the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Iago Aspas, Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe in the pecking order. Surely it’s time for Liverpool and Stewart to part ways?
According to The Metro, Liverpool are ready to take a £15m loss on Downing and agree a £5m deal with Newcastle. This is the best possible move for all players involved.
The Reds can’t realistically expect to get any more than that for Downing. At least they would be getting him off the wage bill. Downing himself needs a change of scenery and may well find some form once more at Newcastle.
It’s sad that it came to this, but it’s time to say goodbye. Hopefully his exit will help spark a new age of success for Liverpool Football Club.
What’s your take? Would you be sad to see Stewart Downing go?
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I though Downing was one of the best players against Liverpool? Plus he is very loyal. They should make him vice captain and let Agger follow his dreams and join Barca, where he stands a chance of winning something.
So true, all of it, sell him
Give the guy a break,l might be in the minority but l rate him better than allen and borini.
not to sell downing
Sell downing because he cannot assist with the Ball, can’t even cross the ball,is head for him to score goals,even johnson can’t even defend very well johnson need to go he causes defensive error we should sell G johnson also and fix Kelly or wisdom in that position
Please and please liverpool not sale downing if we want to go back to top four please.