Over the years, Liverpool have cemented their position as global football powerhouses competing with the very best in world football. Throughout its rich history, the club has been awarded a plethora of accolades, collecting 19 League titles, 6 European Cups, 1 FIFA World Cup, 7 FA Cups, 8 League Cups, 3 UEFA Cups, 4 UEFA Super Cups and 15 Charity/Community Shields.
The club is vastly decorated with an impressive haul of silverware and with winning comes talent. The club has employed some of the world’s most talented footballers, but only a few will be considered as Liverpool greats. Let’s have a look at Liverpool’s best players and how they made their stamp on the club.
6. Jamie Carragher
Among few players in Liverpool history to have made more than 500 appearances for the English club, Jamie Carragher is not only a product of Liverpool but a faithful acolyte and stalwart. The pundit has carved out his entire footballing career to the footballing outfit, becoming a Kop rock at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
Considered one of the best players in Liverpool’s history, Carragher plied his trade as a defender and won a profusion of trophies including two FA Cups, three League Cups and two UEFA Super Cups.
The former defender is not only among few Liverpool players to have made more than 500 appearances for the club but also a record holder in terms of the number of appearances (150) he has made for the club in European competitions.
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5. Virgil van Dijk
The towering Dutchman is arguably the best defender in the world and Liverpool wasted no time getting the six-foot three centre-back to put pen to paper in a £75 million move. The Netherlands national switched from St Mary’s to Anfield for what is believed to be the highest fee ever paid for a defender.
The first instalment of that was paid when van Dijk headed a late winner against Everton in the FA Cup third round on his debut. As time passed it was clear that the defender was worth every penny as his ability shone through and the Breda- born footballer helped Liverpool secure a Premier League trophy and a Champions League, against fellow Premier League rivals Tottenham.
4. John Barnes
John Barnes made a lasting impression on the pitch and also off it, by becoming the first Liverpool black player during a time that racial divide was rife. Barnes proved his talent, demonstrating his speed down the left leaving players in his rear view.
Barnes will be forever remembered for his physical prowess, unstoppable mixture of power, pace and skill that left opposing defenders shaking in their boots. Barnes fired 108 goals in over his 10-year stint with the club, which was a truly remarkable feat that has chiselled his name into the record books.
3. Ian Rush
Liverpool secured the signature of Chester City striker Ian Rush in late 1980 and caused barely a ripple in the national media. The unseasoned 19-year-old, however, signalled the beginning of a new era of success. This man has to be the most self-explanatory player on the list.
Suggested Image: Ian Rush
Rush encapsulated everything the club stands for, a tireless worker, a flawless attitude and a revered gentleman. The Welshman was a true inspiration during his time draped in the Kop red and maintains Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring record with 346 goals in 660 appearances.
2. Kenny Dalglish
With an impressive 172 goals scored for Liverpool, King Kenny is most probably remembered for his European wonder goal in the 1978 final. The deadly duo of Dalglish and Rush ran riot across the continent and sprang fear into the eyes of their opponents.
The Scottish striker proved to be a stalwart for the Reds, dedicating more than half of his footballing career to Liverpool. The remaining years Kenny had left, he spent at Celtic reverting back to his roots. Eventually when the Scot’s playing days ended, Dalglish remained a highly loyal servant to the club. He managed the Reds to three First Division titles and one FA Cup.
- Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is the epitome of a one-club player, he is the beating heart of Merseyside and Liverpool runs through his blood. The skipper, the role model and the hero of an entire city. Undoubtedly the best Liverpool player ever, Steven Gerrard is a product of Liverpool and is fiercely devoted to the club.
The midfield maestro is the only footballer in the world who has scored in four major European competitions finals, namely FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and the mouth-watering UEFA Champions League, winning on each occasion.
Apart from being one of the greatest Liverpool players of all time, Gerrard is also among the most honoured English players with more than 24 titles to his name.
