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| 1978 European Cup |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal,
Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Everton, Ipswich
Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest,
Leeds United, Leicester City, West Ham, Blackburn Rovers
Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
Before the 1960's, Liverpool was not considered among the more successful sides in England. Their rise began when Liverpool hired Bill Shankly in 1959. At that point, the club had been playing in the Second Division since the 1954. Under his guidance, the club reached the First Division in 1962. They would dominate English football for the next three decades. At the time of writing, they won 6 European Cup/Champions' League trophies, a record for British clubs. In the 1970's, they won three European Cups, making them one of the greatest ever club sides in history.
GK: Ray Clemence (England)
Ray Clemence was considered one of England's greatest keepers. He won 3 European Cups and 2 UEFA Cups in the 1970's with Liverpool and a UEFA Cup with Tottenham Hotspurs. He was voted as Liverpool's greatest keeper. For the national team, he was locked in a battle of number 1 with Peter Shilton. He was Shilton's backup at the World Cup Finals in 1982. He made 61 appearances for England.
CB: Phil Thompson (England)
Thompson made his professional debut in 1971 for Liverpool and never looked back. He was a part of the decorated team that won 3 European Cups and 7 league titles. He formed a partnership with Alan Hansen that was considered among the best ever in Europe. he was briefly the captain for Liverpool. He also earned 42 caps and went to Spain 1982.
SW: Alan Hansen (Scotland)
Among the greatest defender ever from United Kingdom, he won three European Cups and 8 English league titles with the great Liverpool team of the 1970's and 1980's. Despite being one pf the greatest ever centerback from the UK, Hansen only won 26 Scotland caps, largely because Scotland preferred the formidable central defensive partnership between Willie Miller and Alex McLeish at Aberdeen. he played in the 1982 WC Finals, but he left off controversially the World Cup in 1986.
CM: Graeme Souness (Scotland)
Graeme Souness played for Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough and Sampdoria, but his greatest achievement came while he played for Liverpool. He was one of the greatest ever Liverpool players. He won three European Cups with them, captaining the team in the early 1980's. He was also the Player-Manager for Rangers. He also earned 54 caps for Scotland. He played in 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cup Finals.
CM: Terry McDermott (England)
Terry McDermott was a member of the Liverpool team of the 1970s and early 1980s, in which he won three European Cups and six Division 1 titles. Before Liverpool, he played for Bury and Newcastle United. In 1974, Newcastle United lost the FA Cup Final to Liverpool, where he joined the following season. He was also capped 25 times for England. He went to the 1980 European Championship as well as the World Cup Finals in 1982.
CM: Steve Gerrard (England)
Steve Gerrard represented his country at the 2000, 2004 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships, as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups – captaining the team at the latter two tournaments. He led Liverpool in winning the Champions' League in 2005. He is the third highest cap holder for the Three Lions. He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2006 and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2009. He later played in the USA for LA Galaxy.
Callaghan held the all-time appearance record for Liverpool. He was a part of the team that made its historical promotion in 1962 and remained on the team as Liverpool won the European Cup twice in 1977 and 1978. Callaghan also played four times at senior level for England. Although he was in the squad for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, he did not play in the final and so did not receive a medal until 2010.
LW/RW/SS: Billy Liddell (Scotland)
Billy Liddell was one of the early star for Liverpool. He spent his entire career at Liverpool starting from 1938 to 1961. He was at one point the appearance record holder for Liverpool. He was voted the 6th greatest player for them. He represented Scotland at international level on 29 occasions as well as for Great Britain and wartime representative side. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in November 2008.
LW: John Barnes (England)
John Barnes was widely considered to be one of the greatest Liverpool players, where he formed one of their greatest team playing alongside Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge and Ray Houghton. before joining Liverpool, he played for Watford. At Watford, he also helped them to the Final of the FA Cup in 1984. He was voted PFA Player of the Year in 1988 and FWA Player of the Year in both 1988 and 1990. He had 79 caps, and played in two World Cup Finals.
FW: Roger Hunt (England)
Roger Hunt was a member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team. He joined Liverpool in 1958 under Phil Taylor and he was one of the few players who was retained by Bill Shankly when he became the manager. He helped Liverpool to gain their historical promotion in 1962 and was a key figure during their successes in the 1960's. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
ST: Ian Rush (Wales)
Ian Rush was voted as the third greatest Liverpool player by fans in 2013. He is the Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, with 346 goals. He won both the PFA Player of the year and FWA Player of the Year in 1984. He was European Golden Boot winner in the same year. He also had short spells with Chester City, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Sydney Olympic. Rush made 73 appearances for Wales between 1980 and 1996.
Honorable Mention
Tommy Lawrence (Scotland), Pepe Reina (Spain), Elisha Scott (N.Ireland), Jerzy Dudek (Poland), Sami Hyypia (Finland), Daniel Agger (Denmark), Gary Gillespie (Scotland), Mark Lawrenson (Ireland), Alex Raisbeck (Scotland), Martin Škrtel (Czech Republic), Chris Lawler (England), John Arne Riise (Norway), Steve Nicol (Scotland), Gerry Byrne (England), Ronny Whelan (Ireland), Ray Kennedy (England), Jan Molby (Denmark), and Jimmy Case (England), Steve McMahon (England), James Milner (England), Sammy Lee (England), Dietmar Hamann (Germany), Gary McAllister (Scotland), Paul Ince (England), Jamie Redknapp (England), Ray Houghton (Ireland), Peter Thompson (England), Steve Heighway (Ireland), Steve McManaman (England), Ian St John (Scotland), Roberto Firmino (Brazil), Gordon Hodgson (South Africa), John Aldridge (Ireland), John Toshack (Wales), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Robbie Fowler (England), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ian St John (Scotland), Albert Stubbins (England).
-- The Spice Boys of the 1990's was better known for their fashion sense than trophy winning. None of the players were seriously considered. Steve McManaman later won a Champions League title with Real Madrid, but his peak with Liverpool was very limited. I also have Robbie Fowler as an Honorable Mention.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal,
Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, Everton, Ipswich
Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest,
Leeds United, Leicester City, West Ham, Blackburn Rovers
Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool Greatest All-Time Team for Foreigners
Liverpool Greatest All-Time Team for British Isles players without English players
Liverpool Greatest All-Time Team for British Isles players without English players
This is my selection of a 25 member all-time team for the club. The number 25 was chosen because it is the official squad size for the Champions' League.
Founded in 1892, the club joined the Football League the following year and has played at Anfield since its formation. Liverpool established itself as a major force in English and European football in the 1970s and 1980s, when Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish led the club to a combined eleven League titles and four European Cups. Liverpool won two further European Cups in 2005 and 2019 under the management of Rafael Benítez and Jürgen Klopp, respectively; the latter led Liverpool to a nineteenth League title in 2020, the club's first during the Premier League era.
Liverpool is one of the most widely supported clubs in the world, as well as one of the most valuable. Liverpool has long-standing rivalries with Manchester United and Everton. The team changed from red shirts and white shorts to an all-red home strip in 1964 which has been used ever since. The club's anthem is "You'll Never Walk Alone".
Before the 1960's, Liverpool was not considered among the more successful sides in England. Their rise began when Liverpool hired Bill Shankly in 1959. At that point, the club had been playing in the Second Division since the 1954. Under his guidance, the club reached the First Division in 1962. They would dominate English football for the next three decades. At the time of writing, they won 6 European Cup/Champions' League trophies, a record for British clubs. In the 1970's, they won three European Cups, making them one of the greatest ever club sides in history.
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| 1965 FA Cup |
Team
GK: Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe)
Bruce Grobbelaar made 628 appearances for Liverpool in 13 years. He was considered among the best England-based keepers of his generation and a legend with Liverpool. He won the 1984 European Cup, 6 English league titles and 3 FA Cups with Liverpool. Born in South Africa, he moved to Rhodesia as a child. He was capped once times by Rhodesia in 1977 and later 32 times for Zimbabwe.
GK: Bruce Grobbelaar (Zimbabwe)
Bruce Grobbelaar made 628 appearances for Liverpool in 13 years. He was considered among the best England-based keepers of his generation and a legend with Liverpool. He won the 1984 European Cup, 6 English league titles and 3 FA Cups with Liverpool. Born in South Africa, he moved to Rhodesia as a child. He was capped once times by Rhodesia in 1977 and later 32 times for Zimbabwe.
GK: Ray Clemence (England)
Ray Clemence was considered one of England's greatest keepers. He won 3 European Cups and 2 UEFA Cups in the 1970's with Liverpool and a UEFA Cup with Tottenham Hotspurs. He was voted as Liverpool's greatest keeper. For the national team, he was locked in a battle of number 1 with Peter Shilton. He was Shilton's backup at the World Cup Finals in 1982. He made 61 appearances for England.
GK: Alisson Becker (Brazil)
Alisson began his career at Internacional, and won the Campeonato Gaúcho in each of his four seasons at the club. In 2016, he joined AS Roma, In 2018, Liverpool signed Alisson for a , making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. At Liverpool, Alisson has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup. In 2019, he was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and was also the recipient of the inaugural Yashin Trophy. Since 2015, he had played for Brazil.
Alisson began his career at Internacional, and won the Campeonato Gaúcho in each of his four seasons at the club. In 2016, he joined AS Roma, In 2018, Liverpool signed Alisson for a , making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time. At Liverpool, Alisson has won the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup. In 2019, he was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper and was also the recipient of the inaugural Yashin Trophy. Since 2015, he had played for Brazil.
RB: Phil Neal (England)
Neal was the great right back from Liverpool between 1974 and 1985. He was one of England's most decorated player: 4 First Divisions, 4 League Cups, 5 FA Charity Shields, 4 European Cups, 1 UEFA Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cups. He also played for Northampton Town and Bolton Wanderers as a full back. Neal also had a long career with England winning 50 caps and playing in the 1982 World Cup and the 1980 European Championship.
RB: Tommy Smith (England)
Smith was a key figure for Liverpool during the 1960's when Liverpool became the most successful club in England. He spent 16 years with the club. Smith's most memorable moment for the club probably came when he scored the winning goal in the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach. He later played in the NASL.
Neal was the great right back from Liverpool between 1974 and 1985. He was one of England's most decorated player: 4 First Divisions, 4 League Cups, 5 FA Charity Shields, 4 European Cups, 1 UEFA Cup and 1 UEFA Super Cups. He also played for Northampton Town and Bolton Wanderers as a full back. Neal also had a long career with England winning 50 caps and playing in the 1982 World Cup and the 1980 European Championship.
RB: Tommy Smith (England)
Smith was a key figure for Liverpool during the 1960's when Liverpool became the most successful club in England. He spent 16 years with the club. Smith's most memorable moment for the club probably came when he scored the winning goal in the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach. He later played in the NASL.
CB: Jamie Carragher (England)
Jamie Carragher spent his entire career with Liverpool between 1996 and 2013. He is their second longest serving player in their history. He won the Champions' League in 2005 and two FA Cups with them. He had 38 caps for England. He was a part of England's team at Euro 2004 and the World Cup Finals in 2006 and 2010. His international career was limited by playing at the same time as John Terry, Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinard, etc.
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| Jamie Carragher |
Thompson made his professional debut in 1971 for Liverpool and never looked back. He was a part of the decorated team that won 3 European Cups and 7 league titles. He formed a partnership with Alan Hansen that was considered among the best ever in Europe. he was briefly the captain for Liverpool. He also earned 42 caps and went to Spain 1982.
SW: Alan Hansen (Scotland)
Among the greatest defender ever from United Kingdom, he won three European Cups and 8 English league titles with the great Liverpool team of the 1970's and 1980's. Despite being one pf the greatest ever centerback from the UK, Hansen only won 26 Scotland caps, largely because Scotland preferred the formidable central defensive partnership between Willie Miller and Alex McLeish at Aberdeen. he played in the 1982 WC Finals, but he left off controversially the World Cup in 1986.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk started with Groningen before he moved to Celtic in 2013. In S2015, he joined Southampton before signing for Liverpool in 2018 for £75 million, a world record transfer fee for a defender. Van Dijk was named the PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2018–19 season. Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final where he was named man of the match. From 2015 onward, he played for Netherlands and was named captain.
Van Dijk started with Groningen before he moved to Celtic in 2013. In S2015, he joined Southampton before signing for Liverpool in 2018 for £75 million, a world record transfer fee for a defender. Van Dijk was named the PFA Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season for the 2018–19 season. Van Dijk starred as Liverpool won the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final where he was named man of the match. From 2015 onward, he played for Netherlands and was named captain.
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| Virgil van Dijk |
CB/LB: Emlyn Hughes (England)
Emlyn Hughes was at one point the captain of England and Liverpool. He was considered to be one of Liverpool's most important defenders. He joined the club from Blackpool in 1967. He played under Bill Shankly in the 1970's where he won two European Cups, four League titles and a single FA Cup. He was FWA Football of the Year in 1977. He earned 62 English caps. He went to the 1970 World Cup Finals in Mexico.
LB: Alan Kennedy (England)
Kennedy started his career with Newcastle United, but his best years were spent at Liverpool. He won two European Cup with Liverpool, scoring a goal at each of the Final. His international career, however, was limited to 2 caps. He later played for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Hartlepool United, B 1903, Beerschot, Northwich Victoria, Wrexham, Colne Dynamoes, Morecambe, Netherfield, Radcliffe Borough and Barrow.
CM: Xabi Alonso (Spain)
Xabi Alonso started with Real Sociedad. He joined Liverpool in 2004 winning the Champions' League trophy in his first season. In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid, winning the Champions' League again in 2014. In 2014, he joined Bayern Munich. He was a key member of the Spanish team that won the WC and two European Championships. His 114 caps make him the fifth most capped player in the nation's history.
Emlyn Hughes was at one point the captain of England and Liverpool. He was considered to be one of Liverpool's most important defenders. He joined the club from Blackpool in 1967. He played under Bill Shankly in the 1970's where he won two European Cups, four League titles and a single FA Cup. He was FWA Football of the Year in 1977. He earned 62 English caps. He went to the 1970 World Cup Finals in Mexico.
LB: Alan Kennedy (England)
Kennedy started his career with Newcastle United, but his best years were spent at Liverpool. He won two European Cup with Liverpool, scoring a goal at each of the Final. His international career, however, was limited to 2 caps. He later played for Sunderland, Wigan Athletic, Hartlepool United, B 1903, Beerschot, Northwich Victoria, Wrexham, Colne Dynamoes, Morecambe, Netherfield, Radcliffe Borough and Barrow.
CM: Xabi Alonso (Spain)
Xabi Alonso started with Real Sociedad. He joined Liverpool in 2004 winning the Champions' League trophy in his first season. In 2009, he moved to Real Madrid, winning the Champions' League again in 2014. In 2014, he joined Bayern Munich. He was a key member of the Spanish team that won the WC and two European Championships. His 114 caps make him the fifth most capped player in the nation's history.
CM: Graeme Souness (Scotland)
Graeme Souness played for Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough and Sampdoria, but his greatest achievement came while he played for Liverpool. He was one of the greatest ever Liverpool players. He won three European Cups with them, captaining the team in the early 1980's. He was also the Player-Manager for Rangers. He also earned 54 caps for Scotland. He played in 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cup Finals.
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| Graeme Souness | \ |
Terry McDermott was a member of the Liverpool team of the 1970s and early 1980s, in which he won three European Cups and six Division 1 titles. Before Liverpool, he played for Bury and Newcastle United. In 1974, Newcastle United lost the FA Cup Final to Liverpool, where he joined the following season. He was also capped 25 times for England. He went to the 1980 European Championship as well as the World Cup Finals in 1982.
CM: Jordan Henderson (England)
Henderson began his career at Sunderland in 2008, with a loan spell at Coventry City in 2009, before moving to Liverpool in 2011. He became captain of Liverpool in 2015 following the departure of Steven Gerrard. He was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 2020 after Liverpool won their first ever Premiership. In 2010, Henderson won his first cap for England. He has represented the country at UEFA Euro 2012 and 2016, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Henderson began his career at Sunderland in 2008, with a loan spell at Coventry City in 2009, before moving to Liverpool in 2011. He became captain of Liverpool in 2015 following the departure of Steven Gerrard. He was named FWA Footballer of the Year in 2020 after Liverpool won their first ever Premiership. In 2010, Henderson won his first cap for England. He has represented the country at UEFA Euro 2012 and 2016, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
CM: Steve Gerrard (England)
Steve Gerrard represented his country at the 2000, 2004 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships, as well as the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups – captaining the team at the latter two tournaments. He led Liverpool in winning the Champions' League in 2005. He is the third highest cap holder for the Three Lions. He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2006 and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2009. He later played in the USA for LA Galaxy.
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| Steven Gerrard |
RW: Ian Callaghan (England)
Callaghan held the all-time appearance record for Liverpool. He was a part of the team that made its historical promotion in 1962 and remained on the team as Liverpool won the European Cup twice in 1977 and 1978. Callaghan also played four times at senior level for England. Although he was in the squad for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, he did not play in the final and so did not receive a medal until 2010.
LW/RW/SS: Billy Liddell (Scotland)
Billy Liddell was one of the early star for Liverpool. He spent his entire career at Liverpool starting from 1938 to 1961. He was at one point the appearance record holder for Liverpool. He was voted the 6th greatest player for them. He represented Scotland at international level on 29 occasions as well as for Great Britain and wartime representative side. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in November 2008.
John Barnes was widely considered to be one of the greatest Liverpool players, where he formed one of their greatest team playing alongside Ian Rush, Peter Beardsley, John Aldridge and Ray Houghton. before joining Liverpool, he played for Watford. At Watford, he also helped them to the Final of the FA Cup in 1984. He was voted PFA Player of the Year in 1988 and FWA Player of the Year in both 1988 and 1990. He had 79 caps, and played in two World Cup Finals.
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| John Barnes |
Roger Hunt was a member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team. He joined Liverpool in 1958 under Phil Taylor and he was one of the few players who was retained by Bill Shankly when he became the manager. He helped Liverpool to gain their historical promotion in 1962 and was a key figure during their successes in the 1960's. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
ST: Ian Rush (Wales)
Ian Rush was voted as the third greatest Liverpool player by fans in 2013. He is the Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer, with 346 goals. He won both the PFA Player of the year and FWA Player of the Year in 1984. He was European Golden Boot winner in the same year. He also had short spells with Chester City, Juventus, Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Sydney Olympic. Rush made 73 appearances for Wales between 1980 and 1996.
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| Ian Rush |
ST: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
"Mo" Salah played with El Mokawloon in Egypt before heading to play for Basel in Switzerland. In 2013, he won the best player award in Switzerland. He earned a big move to Chelsea in 2014, but he ended up with a loan move to Fiorentina and Roma. In 2017, he moved to Liverpool after starring for Roma. He helped Liverpool to win the Champions' League in 2019. In 2017, he helped Egypt for their first World Cup Finals since 1990. In the WC Finals, he scored a single goal.
ST: Kenny Dalglish (Scotland)
"King Kenny" was the greatest player for Liverppol in an era where Liverpool was considered to be among the greatest club sides in history. He won 3 European Cups with them. He is the cap record holder and their top ever scorer for Scotland. He won the Ballon d'Or Silver Award in 1983, the PFA Player of the Year in 1983, and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1979 and 1983. In 2009 FourFourTwo named Dalglish as the greatest striker in post-war British football.
ST: Michael Owen (England)
Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. In his first full season in the Premier League, he finished as joint top scorer with 18 goals. He repeated this the following year and was Liverpool's top goal-scorer from 1997–2004. He helped Liverpool to win the UEFA Cup in 2001. He also played for Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. For England, he earned 89 caps. He was the youngest player to play for England in the 20th century as well as the youngest goal scorers.
ST/SS: Kevin Keegan (England)
Kevin Keegan was a two-time European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979. He won the European Cup in 1977 with Liverpool. He also found successes in the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV. He later played for Southampton and Newcastle United. He had 63 caps for England. However, his World Cup appearance was limited to 20 minutes against Spain at the World Cup Finals in 1982.
"King Kenny" was the greatest player for Liverppol in an era where Liverpool was considered to be among the greatest club sides in history. He won 3 European Cups with them. He is the cap record holder and their top ever scorer for Scotland. He won the Ballon d'Or Silver Award in 1983, the PFA Player of the Year in 1983, and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1979 and 1983. In 2009 FourFourTwo named Dalglish as the greatest striker in post-war British football.
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| Kenny Dalglish |
Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. In his first full season in the Premier League, he finished as joint top scorer with 18 goals. He repeated this the following year and was Liverpool's top goal-scorer from 1997–2004. He helped Liverpool to win the UEFA Cup in 2001. He also played for Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City. For England, he earned 89 caps. He was the youngest player to play for England in the 20th century as well as the youngest goal scorers.
ST/SS: Kevin Keegan (England)
Kevin Keegan was a two-time European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979. He won the European Cup in 1977 with Liverpool. He also found successes in the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV. He later played for Southampton and Newcastle United. He had 63 caps for England. However, his World Cup appearance was limited to 20 minutes against Spain at the World Cup Finals in 1982.
Honorable Mention
Tommy Lawrence (Scotland), Pepe Reina (Spain), Elisha Scott (N.Ireland), Jerzy Dudek (Poland), Sami Hyypia (Finland), Daniel Agger (Denmark), Gary Gillespie (Scotland), Mark Lawrenson (Ireland), Alex Raisbeck (Scotland), Martin Škrtel (Czech Republic), Chris Lawler (England), John Arne Riise (Norway), Steve Nicol (Scotland), Gerry Byrne (England), Ronny Whelan (Ireland), Ray Kennedy (England), Jan Molby (Denmark), and Jimmy Case (England), Steve McMahon (England), James Milner (England), Sammy Lee (England), Dietmar Hamann (Germany), Gary McAllister (Scotland), Paul Ince (England), Jamie Redknapp (England), Ray Houghton (Ireland), Peter Thompson (England), Steve Heighway (Ireland), Steve McManaman (England), Ian St John (Scotland), Roberto Firmino (Brazil), Gordon Hodgson (South Africa), John Aldridge (Ireland), John Toshack (Wales), Luis Suarez (Uruguay), Robbie Fowler (England), Sadio Mane (Senegal), Fernando Torres (Spain), Ian St John (Scotland), Albert Stubbins (England).
.
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in 2016. I redid it in November, 2024.
Squad Explanation
-- The original team was created in 2016. I redid it in November, 2024.
-- For Liverpool FC, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Steve Gerrard and Grame Souness are automatic selections. They are their greatest ever players. I do not need to explain their selections. Kevin Keegan, Ray Clemence and Billy Liddell probably belong to this list as well.
-- I based some of my research on the polls "100 Players Who Shook The Kop" voted by Liverpool fans in 2006 and again in 2013. Most players were on the poll. However, fan polls usually tended to favor contemporary players. I only used them as a reference.
-- In 2022, Fourfourtwo ranked Liverpool's 50 greatest footballers. The top 25 were as follows: 1) Kenny Dalglish, 2) Steven Gerrard, 3) Mohamed Salah, 4) Luis Suarez, 5) John Barnes, 6) Ian Rush, 7) Virgil van Dijk, 8) Roger Hunt, 9) Graeme Souness, 10) Kevin Keegan, 11) Billy Liddell, 12) Ian Callaghan, 13) Alan Hansen, 14) Ian St John, 15) Emlyn Hughes, 16) Sadio Mané, 17) Robbie Fowler, 18) Jamie Carragher, 19) Phil Thompson, 20) Ron Yeats, 21) Steve Heighway, 22) Sami Hyypia, 23) Tommy Smith, 24) Alisson, 25) Alan Kennedy.
-- I focused a lot on the great team of the 1970's. Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Terry McDermott, Ray Kennedy, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, Emlyn Hughes and Tommy Smith played for Liverpool in the 1970's. Kenny Dalglish, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness also played in the 1984 European Cup winning team. They are joined by Ian Rush and Bruce Grobbelaar from that team.
-- For the 2005 Champions' league winning team, I selected Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard.
-- I focused a lot on the great team of the 1970's. Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Terry McDermott, Ray Kennedy, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen, Phil Neal, Phil Thompson, Emlyn Hughes and Tommy Smith played for Liverpool in the 1970's. Kenny Dalglish, Phil Neal, Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness also played in the 1984 European Cup winning team. They are joined by Ian Rush and Bruce Grobbelaar from that team.
-- For the 2005 Champions' league winning team, I selected Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard.
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| 2005 Champions' League |
-- From the 2019 Champions' League winning team, I included the following players: Saido Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah.
Goalkeepers
-- Bruce Grobbelaar and Ray Clemence are obvious choices for the top two goalkeepers. In Liverpool, Clemence secured five league titles, three European Cups, and numerous other trophies. Grobbelaar, who succeeded Clemence in goal, filled his shoes admirably, clinching six league titles, three FA Cups, and a European Cup in 1984. Grobbelaar's longevity added something to legacy over here.
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| Ray Clemence |
-- I was deciding between Tommy Lawrence, Pepe Reina, Elisha Scott and Jerzy Dudek. In 2024, I added Alisson to the mix. I should also look into Sam Hardy and Arthur Riley. Lawrence was an important part of Bill Shankly's era in Liverpool. Reina won three consecutive Premier League Golden Glove awards. Only Clemence and Grobbelaar started more matches in goal for Liverpool than Scott spoke volumne for his importance. Dudek won a Champions' League by winning a penalty shootout. However, in 2024, I decided to add Alisson to the team. At the time of writing, Alisson has already completed seven seasons with the club. In 2019, he led Liverpool to victory in the Champions League, earning accolades such as The Best FIFA Goalkeeper, Yashin Trophy, IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper and Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season for 2018–19. The FourFourTwo ranked hin as the 24th greatest Liverpool player as the highest ranked goalkeeper. None of the other goalkeepers could claim that while playing for Liverpool.
Defenders
-- Alan Hansen is widely considered Liverpool's greatest central defender. He won 3 European Cups and 10 league titles. He also captained Liverpool as they won the league/FA Cup double in 1986. In 2024, I felt that Virgil Van Dijk is ready to occupy one of the spot. During his time with Liverpool, he reached consecutive UEFA Champions League finals in 2018 and 2019, securing victory in the latter. He also helped Liverpool to end a 30-year league title drought by clinching the Premier League title in 2020. Additionally, he won the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season awards. At the time of writing, he is the only defender to have won the UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award. The FourFourTwo ranked as the 7th greatest Liverpool player even ahead of Alan Hansen.
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| Alan Hansen |
-- I needed to drop one of the three names Phil Thompson, Jamie Carragher and Ron Yeats for Van Dijk.
-- Thompson played under both manager Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. He was also Alan Hansen's defensive partner, where the pair turned the club into the greatest in Europe. Carragher did not get the same recognition as the defenders from the old generations. Perhaps, he was not playing in a generation, where Liverpool dominated English football. Internationally, he was playing at the same time with John Terry, Rio Ferdinard, Sol Campbell, etc. However, he is the second longest serving player in Liverpool FC's history. He also won the Champions' League in 2005. Ron Yeats led the team to grain promotion. He is often credited as turning the club around in the 1960's from a 2nd division side to among the greatest club in Europe.
--The decision was difficult. In the 2013 edition of "100 Players Who Shook The Kop," Carragher and Thompson were ranked ahead of Yeats. Additionally, Thompson, who played during Liverpool FC's most illustrious period, had more accolades than Yeats. Carragher also enjoyed a significantly longer career.
-- Sami Hyypia almost made the team, but I preferred the older centerbacks such as Phil Thompson and Alan Hansen. They played for Liverpool when they were considered to be the best in England. It was hard to rate Alex Raisbeck who played for Liverpool between 1898 and 1907. Mark Lawrenson (Ireland) also made honorable mentions.
-- Both Phil Neal and Tommy Smith were undisputed selections. The "100 Players Who Shook the Kop" ranled Neal as the 30th greatest player while Smith finished at 24th. Smith who grew up neat Anfield was a central defender who later switched to rightback. He was known as the "Anfield Iron". I took him over Chris Lawler whom Smith and Neal would replace in Liverpool. Steve Nicol perhaps should be on the team. He was almost on par with both Neal and Smith. Trent Alexander-Arnold is relatively too young to be considered at this moment.
-- I decided to take a single leftback Alan Kennedy. The FourFourtwo ranked him as the 24th greatest player for the club. For the backup, I decided to take Emlyn Hughes whose Liverpool career spoke for itself. Gerry Byrne or John Arne Riise would have been my second choice. Since 2015, Andy Robertson (Scotland) has also played himself into the honorable mention.
Midfielders/Wingers
-- Graeme Souness and Steven Gerrard were clear picks for the midfield position. FourFourTwo ranked Gerrard as Liverpool's second greatest footballer, with Souness placed ninth. In the 2013 "100 Players Who Shook The Kop" list, Gerrard claimed the top spot, while Souness landed at 11th. Gerrard's achievements included securing various trophies, notably the 2004-05 UEFA Champions League title. Serving as the club's captain for an extended period, from 2003 to 2015, he holds the distinction of being Liverpool's longest-serving captain. Souness played an integral role in securing three European Cups and five league titles, embodying the spirit and essence of the team throughout his tenure.
-- Terry McDermott was a strong contender, forming a dynamic midfield with Souness that led to numerous football victories. In 2015, I also took Xabi Alonso. He was voted 13th on the 100 Players Who Shook The Kop in 2013. He was the hero of the 2005 Champions' League title. During the review of the team in 2024, I added Jordan Henderson to the team. He as Liverpool's captain has led Liverpool to triumphs in domestic, European, and global competitions under manager Jurgen Klopp.
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| Xabi Alonso |
-- Ronny Whelan, Ray Kennedy, Jan Molby and Jimmy Case were serious candidates. I also looked into Steve McMahon, James Milner, Sammy Lee, Dieter Hamann and Gary McAllister. They were left off. They were as important as Xabi Alonso.
-- The left-wing position were loaded with good players. John Barnes was one of Liverpool's greatest players. The Fourfourtwo out him as the 5th greatest footballer for this club. At one point, Liverpool was known as 'Liddellpool' so I have to take Billy Liddell. Both Barnes and Liddell were almost undisputed. So it would be hard for Sadio Mane (Senegal) to break into the team. I also considered Ray Kennedy and Steve Heighway. Bob Paisley turned Ray Kennedy who was a forward into a left side midfielder. In Liverpool, he was as important as Mohamed Salah, but he was often overshadowed by Mohamed Salah's goal-scoring exploits. Steve McManaman was another notable wide left player. He was a big part of the "Spice Boys". Roberto Firmino also started as a left winger who later played as an attack midfielder or forward. None of them would challenge Barnes and Liddell. On the right, I only have Ian Callaghan. He held the all-time appearance record for Liverpool. He was a big part of Liverpool's historical promotion that put the club on pace to become one of the greatest clubs in Europe. He could also play on the left. I felt that generation of players were being overlooked. Mohamed Salah also played as a right side forward. So I did not take a second right winger.
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| Billy Liddell |
--Ian Rush, Kevin Keegan, and Kenny Dalglish have locked in three striker positions, while Michael Owen and Roger Hunt had claimed the fourth and fifth spot. Mohamed Salah was added to the team in the 2020s. With 6 forwards on the team, I could not find spots for Luis Suarez, Ian St John, Robbie Fowler, John Toshack, John Aldridge, Gordon Hodgson and Fernando Torres.
-- Kenny Dalglish was probably Liverpool's greatest player. At the time of writing, Ian Rush remained Liverpool's All-Time leading scorer.
-- Michael Owen won the Ballon d'Or (the European Player of the Year) and was a top scorer for Liverpool while helping them secure the 2001 UEFA Cup. However, he departed for Real Madrid in 2004, just before Liverpool's triumph in the 2005 Champions League. Despite his departure, Owen spent a significant 8 seasons at the club. Roger Hunt spent eleven years at Liverpool, becoming the club's leading goalscorer with 285 goals, a record later surpassed by Ian Rush.
-- Kevin Keegan achieved success by winning every available title during his time at Liverpool. Nonetheless, his tenure at the club lasted only 6 seasons. Keegan secured two Ballon d'Or awards during his spell at Hamburger SV.
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| Kevin Keegan |
-- As of 2024, Mohamed Salah is in his 8th season with Liverpool, already ranking as the club's third All-Time leading scorer. Salah, a two-time PFA Player of the Year, has also clinched every possible title with Liverpool FC.
-- I also wanted to reunite Peter Beardsley with John Barnes, but in 2024, I replaced him with Jordan Henderson. This team had too many forwards. Ian St John was probably greater than Beardsley. He was credited for lifting the club from a team in the second tier to one of the best in Europe.
-- I do not think people remember Gordon Hodgson of South Africa. He is the fourth all-time leading scorer after Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
-- Luis Suarez won both PFA and FWA Player of the Year while playing for Liverpool. That is an achievement in itself. He was originally selected onto the team, but I took him out upon further review. Instead, I added Michael Owen who was more associated with the club than Luis Suarez.
-- Albert Stubbins’ fame also earned him a place on the front cover of the Beatles’ ‘Sergeant Pepper’ album.
Formation
This is a classic 4-4-2, British formation. John Barnes, the Liverpool's legend, is reduced to the bench because Liddell is even more of a legend. I pushed Keegan to the wide so that both Dalglish and Rush are on the field as Keegan.
This is a classic 4-4-2, British formation. John Barnes, the Liverpool's legend, is reduced to the bench because Liddell is even more of a legend. I pushed Keegan to the wide so that both Dalglish and Rush are on the field as Keegan.
No honourable mention for Fernando Torres ?
ReplyDeleteSadio mane instead of lidell and I agree with this 11.
ReplyDelete