The Liverpool midfielder Stewart Downing has said that the fear of being axed from the Liverpool squad has made him perform better in recent weeks. The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa winger arrived at the club in a £ 20 million deal from Aston Villa a few seasons ago.
However, he has been one of the spectacular disappointments in the Premier league in recent seasons, as he has not been able to exert any influence on the team whatsoever. This has even led to talk of him being sold in the January transfer window, as Brendan Rodgers does not see him as part of plans.