Past playersStewart Downing

A traditional winger capable of operating on either the right-hand side or his more natural left, the man from Middlesbrough was brought in to offer pace and creativity for new boss Kenny Dalglish.

Having been heavily linked with a transfer to the Reds on many occasions in preceding years, Dalglish cemented that interest following a couple of highly impressive campaigns with Aston Villa.

Downing signed on the dotted line at Melwood in July 2011 and made his debut for the club at home to Sunderland the following month.

He featured in a total of 46 fixtures throughout his maiden campaign with the Reds, notching twice – both in the FA Cup, against Oldham Athletic and Stoke City at Anfield.

The 2011-12 season was punctuated by three visits to Wembley for Liverpool, as Dalglish's team lifted the League Cup and suffered FA Cup final heartbreak in defeat by Chelsea.

Downing was the Reds' standout performer in the League Cup final victory over Cardiff City, producing an effervescent display from wide and converting his spot-kick in the penalty shootout.

His previously assured place in the Liverpool XI was under threat following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as manager in 2012, and the Englishman was switched to a defensive position for a brief period.

Having been told he was free to leave the club midway through the 2012-13 season, Downing rallied to force his way back into Rodgers' plans – racking up 45 more matches and five goals in the process.

He joined the Reds on their summer tour of Indonesia, Australia and Thailand in 2013 and expressed his wish to fight for a place at Anfield, but a move to West Ham United was confirmed in August of that year.