Stewart Downing
Aston Villa were laughing all the way to the bank after receiving £20 million for the England winger – £8 million more than they paid Middlesbrough for him. He was largely considered a laughing stock in his debut season as he failed to make a single goal or assist for his new club. This season has seen a slight improvement in his fortunes, as he’s now chalked up four goals and five assists but he’s still a long way off justifying the price tag and earlier this season seemed to be so out of favour that he was told that he may have to play at left-back if he wanted to be a part of the squad. Some have accused him of collecting England caps by being connected to the club, and on they evidence available – they could be right.
Brad Jones
A perennial back up goalkeeper, he became the first player to wear a snood in a competitive fixture during a Europa League game in 2010. Sadly, this surmises he contribution to the club as he’s made to the club having failed to dispose Reina of a starting spot and flitting between second and third choice goalkeeper. He’s had his moments of competency and a new contract in December could suggest that Rodgers is keen to keep him around as backup, but with young Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi making a steady rise into the senior squad expect him to switch between second and third choice again soon.