OPINION
Stewart Downing left Aston Villa, who were then a Premier League club, in 2011 to make a big-money move to Liverpool.
Many would argue that the following season started Villa’s demise which resulted in them getting relegated to the Championship in 2016.
Now, the Midlands outfit find themselves in the second tier of English football, looking to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Steve Bruce’s side endured a difficult campaign during the recently concluded season but there is no doubt that the minimal target for next season is promotion.
One area in which Bruce could add to is the left-hand side of attack because no current player is putting their hand up and trying to cement their place on that side.
Therefore, since being relegated with Middlesbrough, Bruce should look to re-sign Downing, who would be a perfect fit into the team.
The 32-year-old would bring experience, quality and most importantly an understanding of how to earn promotion.
Not only that, because he has already played at Villa Park before, he would not need to settle in which would be an added bonus to Bruce.
He would make up for his lack of pace by adding an extra bit of creativity in the final third, especially with his ability to cross the ball, something the likes of Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia would feed off.
On top of that, because of his age, Boro would not demand a high fee for him which would be another added bonus for Bruce.