Downing isn't good enough for Liverpool, says Steve Nicol

Steve Nicol believes Stewart Downing is not good to enough for Liverpool – despite his star display against Fulham. 

The England winger has struggled to settle at Anfield following his £20million move from Aston Vila in 2011, but did impress during the Reds’ 4-0 victory over the Cottagers on Saturday. 

Downing scored during the win but former Anfield favourite Nicol claims he still needs to show more to prove he's good enough for Liverpool. 

“Sometimes some players are just not capable of playing at the top level,” he told Extra Time. “As much as I’ve given him praise over the last couple of weeks, maybe he’s not up to it. 

“Brendan Rodgers was one minute saying he’s going to move on, the next thing is that he wants him to stay. Stewart has to step up and play consistently until the end of the season, if he does that then we’ll see.” 

Brendan Rodgers’ style of play has already seen Andy Carroll leave the club on loan for the season and Nicol went on to state that the Northern Irishman’s tactics could be the reason Downing is ready for the Anfield exit door. 

“He’s been caught in the hole,” he added. “Liverpool are looking at using three attacking players and Downing’s an old fashioned left sided midfield player. 

"He seems to get caught in the middle, he doesn’t know how deep or long he should be and he’s lacking confidence.”

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Source: talkSPORT