Liverpool FC is one of the world’s most successful clubs that has made history. The club was so successful to clinch 18 league cups, 8 FA cups, 9 Carling cups, 3 UEFA, 3 UEFA super cups, 4 FA youth cups, 15 community shield cups and other consecutive titles that were aligned alongside with their success. Liverpool FC has many players and greats, but not all the greats could make it to this list. Below is the list of the Liverpool FC’s greatest players.
1. Ray Clemence – Goalkeeper – (1968-1981)
2. Phil Neal – Defender – (1974-1985)
3. Alan Hansen – Defender – (1977-1991)
4. Emyln Hughes – Defender – (1967-1979)
5. Alan Kennedy – Defender – (1978-1985)
6. Graham Souness – Midfielder – (1978-1984)
7. Terry Mc Dermott – Midfielder – (1974-1982)
8. John Barnes – Midfielder – (1987-1997)
9. Billy Liddell – Midfielder – (1938-1960)
10. Ian Rush – Forwarder – (1980-87/88-85)
11. Kenny Dalglish – Forwarder – (1977-1990)
Ray Clemence – (1968-1981)
Clemence is not only one of the finest goal keepers in the history of Liverpool, but also one of the best in the British football. He took over from Tommy Lawrence as first choice goal keeper in 1970 and went on to enjoy a huge amount of success with Reds. Clemence showed exceptional abilities as last man of defense, with a mixture of superb shot stopping and amazing agility and judgment. He was capped 61 times for England, although this would have been higher if he had not shared the role Peter Shilton. Ray Clemence set a record in 1978-79 title winning season, winning just 16 goals in the entire season. In his entire Anfield career, he kept an amazing 335 clean sheets in 665 appearances. He won 5 league titles, 1 FA cup, 3 European cups, and 2 UEFA cups in a stellar Liverpool career.
Phil Neal – (1974-1985)
Although predominantly a right back, Phil Neal was adept at playing a number of defensive roles. He made 650 appearances for the Reds, collecting a massive trophy hand along the way. He jointly holds the record for the number of league winner’s medal with eight and added four European cup win as well as UEFA cup in 1976. He scored amazing 60 goals from defense. Thanks largely for his expertise from the penalty spot. He scored from an open play in the 1984 European cup final after previously dispatching a penalty to clinch the 1977 cup.
Alan Hansen – (1971-1991)
Now a pundit for the BBC. Hansen is better known as being one of the finest defenders the UK has ever produced. He was plucked from obscurity by Bob paisley. The Scott instantly took his chance at Anfield and became a permanent fixture as the Reds entered their most glorious period. He was a classic centre back who began many of Liverpool’s attacks by carrying the ball out of defense. Hansen won 18 league titles for Liverpool as well as 2 FA cups and the European cups on three occasions.
Emyln Hughes – (1967-1979)
“Crazy Horse” played at full back, centre back and even in the midfield for Liverpool, as he amazed 665 appearances. He was the captain who lifted the Reds first European cup in 1977 and became an inspirational for Liverpool with his energetic displays and never say die attitude. His boundless enthusiasm transmitted itself to the fans, which made him a firm favourite with the Anfield crowd. He was voted player of the year in 1977.
Alan Kennedy – (1978-1985)
Alan Kennedy takes the left centre back berth. “Barny Rubble” as he was nicknamed cemented his place in the heart of fans, with winning goals in two separate European cup finals. His strike in the 1981 final was the only goal of the game as the Reds defeated Real Madrid. In 1984, it was Kennedy who fired the decisive spot kick in the penalty shootout that defeated As Roma. He was a full back power and pace, who possesses an explosive left foot shot and was often seen flying down the wings before putting over an inviting cross.
Graham Souness – (1978-1984)
His reputation as Liverpool’s hard man belies his ability as a midfielder. Once described as a “bear of the player with delicacy of a violinist”. Souness combines aggression and hard tackling with subtle skills and visionary passing. The Scott raked up five league titles and three European cups during his playing career at Anfield. Eventually returned as manager, but couldn’t replicate the success he made at Glasgow Rangers.
Terry McDermott – (1974-1982)
“Local Boy” Terry McDermott became an integral part of the Reds engine room during his time at the club. He was signed by Bob Paisley in 1974, after impressing the Liverpool’s manager in the FA cup final when Liverpool defeated Newcastle. Famed for his penetrating runs from deep, he provided the perfect soil for his fellow midfielders. He scored 80 goals in 328 appearances for the reds. Two stand out strike were the first goal in the 1977 European cup final and one of the finest goal ever scored at Anfield in 1978, when he got on the end of the fantastic move to score the first goal against Tottenham in a 7 – 0 thrashing.
John Barnes – (1987-1997)
Barnes signed for Liverpool in 1987 as Kenny Dalglish set about building a new dynasty at the club. Alongside fellow new boy Beardsley, Houghton and Aldridge. Barnes inspired the Reds to the league title in first season. He was duly voted player of the year and followed up that success with the “double” the following season. His mazy runs down the flanks bamboozled many a defender, and the forward John Aldridge and Ian Rush in particular benefited hugely from his assists. He scored 108 goals in 409 appearances for Liverpool. It was just unfortunate that his spell at Anfield coincided with the English clubs ban from European championships as a result of Heysel’s disaster in a match against Juventus which they lost to Juventus by a lone goal. Otherwise, we could surely have seen him terrorizing the finest defences Europe had to offer in the European cup finals.
Billy Liddell – (1938-1960)
Billy Liddell remains one of the finest players ever to have played for Liverpool FC. He was predominantly a left winger but was just an adept as a centre forward and was also versatile enough to play all over the pitch. He missed six years of his career due to World War II. So could have achieved even more. He possessed a thunderous shot, but was a provider and as well as a potential finisher. Liddell was never booked in 537 first team games for Liverpool, scoring an impressive 229 goals along the way.
Ian Rush – (1980-87) (88-95)
Liverpool’s all time leading scorer with 346 goals over two spells at Anfield has earned his place in the all time best XI ahead of some more recent scoring sensation. Rush was a lethal finisher, who built up a formidable force and partnership with Kenny Dalglish, which will be difficult for anybody ever to match.
Rush earned himself five European titles and one European super cup medals, and as well as three FA cup and five league cup. He also won Europe’s golden boot in 1984.
Kenny Dalglish – (1977-1990)
Dalglish is undoubtedly the Liverpool’s finest player ever. Kenny Dalglish arrived at Anfield with the huge burden of replacing Kevin Keegan, but soon shown that he was more than an adequate replacement. In his first season at Anfield, he became the club’s top scorer and capped the season by scoring the winning goals in the 1978 European cup final. Thereafter, came a succession of league titles (7), and scoring 172 goals in 172 appearances. Dalglish possessed super ball control which was complemented by a world class football brain. He was not the quickest player but his brain more made up for that. Kenny was a selfless team player who brought others into play. He was an on pitch visionary who could spot an opening that the naked eye of the most, would never see. With the ball at his feet, he was a pure genius.
The list of Liverpool’s greats include;-
Robbie Bernard Fowler:- He was born in Toxteth, Liverpool, England on 9th April 1975. He played his youth career at Liverpool FC in 1984-1993, and his senior career from 1993-2001. From 2001–2006 he played at Leeds united and Manchester city. He later returned to Liverpool FC in 2006-2007 season. He is best remembered for his playing days at Liverpool, and he is the fourth-highest goal scorer in the history of the Premier league. He scored 183 goals for Liverpool, 162 of which he scored in the premier League. Fowler’s career began with Liverpool. He signed as a youth team player on leaving school in the summer of 1991, signing professional terms on his 17th birthday, 9th April 1992. His first involvement in the Liverpool’s first team came on 13th January 1993 when he was an unused substitute in an FA cup third round against Bolton Wanderers. He made a scoring first-team debut in Liverpool’s 3-1 win in a first round League Cup tie at Fulham on 22nd September 1993. Fowler scored all five goals in the second leg at Anfield two weeks later, making him the fourth player in Liverpool history to score five in a senior fixture. He scored his first hat-trick against Southampton in his fifth game for Liverpool. His first goal in the Premier league was on 16 October, 1993 as an equalizer against Oldham Athletic at Anfield.
His first 13 games for Liverpool yielded 12 goals and that awarded him a debut with England against San Marino in November 1993. Fowler was voted PFA Young player of the Year in two consecutive years in 1995 and 1996. In 1994-1995 season, he was an ever-present for Liverpool partaking in all their 57 competitive matches. His hat-trick against Arsenal on 28th August 1993 was the fastest hat-trick ever scored in the history of Premier league. It was scored under 4 minutes, 33 seconds. He made contributions to Liverpool FC, with great partnership with Jamie Redknapp, Steve Collymore, David James, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey and Steve McManaman.
Stan Collymore:- He was born on 22nd January 1971. He held the British transfer record when he moved from Nottingham Forest to Liverpool for a fee of £8.5 million in 1995. He scored on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday. He spent a two year deal at Anfield, and created many outstanding partnerships with Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush. He scored in the one of the most exciting game in the Premier league, and that was against Newcastle United. Although having capped 3 times at England’s National Football Team without scoring a goal.
Steven Gerrard:- Born on 30th May 1980 in Whiston, England. He is an inspirational captain, and the one of the most complete footballers in the world. He is accustomed to power, pace, touch, dignity and a never-say-die attitude. And all this attributes cum compliments came as he skippered the Reds to 2005 UEFA Champions League glory in Istanbul, Turkey. 13 years in the first team has earned him almost every club medal. In 2006 he was awarded an MBE by the Queen of England, which he later collected at Buckingham Palace. The only title he hasn’t lifted is the English Premier League silverware, and that is the only title that eludes him. He played his junior career at Whinston juniors at the age of 9. Before making a professional contract eight years later. He played 13 games in his debut season due to the injury woes of fellow team mate Jamie Redknapp. Persistent back and groin pain saddled his blossoming career at early starts. He was also instrumental in the Red’s treble in 2001. By the start of 2003-2004 season he has already established himself as Liverpool’s on-field leader. He was handed the captain’s armband by Gerrard Houllier in place of Sami Hyypia. He has captained England against Sweden in the absence of David Beckham, and also on May 25th 2005, Steven Gerrard lifted the European Champions League silverware under Rafael Benitez. And that was the Reds fifth European Cup. No one believed that Liverpool could overturn AC Milan in their 3-0 half time lead. Until Steve Gerrard’s 54th minute header and that braved up his team mates. His heroics earned him the title of UEFA’s Most Valuable Player and also his name being nominated for the prestigious Ballon D’Or award. In 2005, after signing a four-year contract with Liverpool he went on to enjoy his most impressive season till date, scoring 23 goals in 53 games and being crowned the PFA Player of the Year. He was the first Liverpool man to win the award after John Barnes in 1988. He was also instrumental in the 2005-06 FA Cup finals against west ham united un Cardiff, England. Gerrard twice breached Shaka Hislop’s net, including an equalizer in the dying moments to save the game into extra time which they eventually won with penalties. His equalizing 35-yard volley was voted the Man of the Day’s Goal of the season. Gerrard has played in every position for Liverpool and has scored in four major finals which no other English-based player had ever done.
Steve McManaman:- Born on 11th February 1972 in Kirkdale, Liverpool in England. His youth career at Anfield was from 1988-1990, and joined the senior team from 1990-1999. He spent his playing career at two European clubs, namely Liverpool FC and Realmadrid, with a spell at Manchester City. McManaman is the most decorated English footballer to have played at any foreign clubs in terms of trophies won overseas. McManaman was the first British player to UEFA Champions League title twice, and was also the first English footballer to win the Champions League with non-English club. He was ranked in a Top 10 of the greatest British footballers to play overseas behind Kevin Keegan and John Charles.
Bruce Grobbelaar:- He played a number of clubs in a career which spanned over 20 years at professional level, and one the clubs is Liverpool FC, during their dominant periods in 1980s and 90s. Born on 6th October, 1957 in Durban, South Africa. He had a spell with Liverpool from 1981-1994. A talented cricketer in his teenage years, but football was his main ambition. During 1979, he visited England to see family friends and a phone call from Ron Atkinson brought him a trial with West Bromwich Albion. He signed for Liverpool for £250,000 0n March 17th 1981. Ray Clemence’s Surprise departure to Tottenham Hotspur gave him a chance to display his talents. Grobbelaar made his Liverpool debut on 28 August 1981 despite a 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton at Molineux. He made his debut alongside Mark Lawrenson and Craig Johnston. His first clean sheet was against Arsenal at Anfield with a 2-0 win. In the 1981 European Cup final against AS Roma, he confused two opposition players in a penalty shoot out to became the first African to win the European Cup/Champion’s League winners medal. He was retained by Liverpool’s top managers (Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish) for a period of 13 years. He was later replaced by James David in 1992 from Watford.
Michael James Owen:- the son of former footballer, Terry Owen. Born on 14th December, 1979 in Chester, England. His youth career at Anfield spanned from 1991-1996 and his senior career from 1996-2004. He scored his first debut in May 1997, and in the full Premier League Season, he finished a joint top scorer with 18 goals. He was Liverpool’s top scorer from 1997-2004, despite suffering an armstring injury. He was also an adept instrument to the Liverpool’s 2001 treble, winning UEFA Cup, FA Cup and Football League Cup respectively. He scored 118 goals in 216 appearances for Liverpool in the Premier League. He later moved to Real Madrid in mid-2004 in a disclosed fee of £8 milllion.
Lists of some other Liverpool’s greats
Kenny Dalglish (1977-1990 > 515 appearances, 172 goals)
Stephen Gerrard (1997-present)
John Barnes (1987-1997 > 407 appearances)
Graeme Souness
Tommy Smith (1962-1978, 638 appearances)
Kevin Keegan (1971-1977, 323 appearances, 100 goals)
Alan Hansen (1977-1991, 620 appearances)
Billy Liddell (1939-1961, 534 appearances, 228 goals)
Jamie Carragher (1996-Present)
Roger Hunt (1958-1969, 492 appearances, 286 goals)
Ian Rush (1980-1987, 1988-96, 660 appearances)
Ian St john (1961-71, 425 appearances, 118 goals)
Ron Yeats (1961-71, 454 appearances)
Robbie Fowler (1992-2001, 2006-07, 369 appearances, 183 goals)
Alan Kennedy (1978-1985, 359 appearances)
Phil Thompson (1971-1985, 477 appearances)
Emyln Hughes (1967-1979, 665 appearances)
Jimmy Case (1973-1981, 269 appearances)
Michael Owen (1996-2004, 297 appearances, 158 goals)
Ian Callaghan (1960-1978, 857 appearances)
Terry McDermott (1974-1982, 329 appearances)
Ray Kennedy (1974-1982, 393 appearances)
Joey Jones (1975-1978, 100 appearances)
Mark Lawrenson (1981-1988, 356 appearances)
Steve Heighway (1970-1981, 475 appearances)
Dietmar Hamman (1999-2006, 283 appearances)
John Aldridge (1987-89, 104 appearances, 63 goals)
John Toshak (1970-1978, 247 appearances)
Ronnie Whelan (1979-1994, 493 appearances)
Gerry Byrne (1955-1969, 333 appearances)
Sammy Lee (1976-1996, 295 appearances)
Steve Nicol (1981-1995, 468 appearances)
Steve McMahon (1985-1991, 277 appearances)
Chris Lawler (1960-1975, 549 appearances)
Albert Stubbins (1946-1953, 178 appearances)
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