Throughout their long and illustrious history, Liverpool have been blessed with some truly magnificent playmakers, but who is in our top 10?
Every good team has a midfielder.
The gear that is integral to how the side joins. The one who makes things happen.
Right now, in this Liverpool team, that player is Thiago. When the Spaniard is not available, Jurgen Klopp’s side simply aren’t the same without his dynamism in midfield.
Anfield has been lucky enough to host some of the most talented playmakers the game has seen, but who are the top 10 to have featured for the Reds over the years?
Of course, much of this may depend on your definition of “player” and your personal interpretation of the role. We chose players who helped open up opposing defenses, providing the killer pass, as opposed to a player who controlled the pace of the game.
There are a few notable exceptions that could cause a debate (Peter Beardsley is one), but we doubt you’ll disagree with No.1!
10. Steve McManaman
Macca is one of the most difficult players to play for the Reds. He simply had to be on this list.
A flying winger who had everything you’d want in an attacking player, there’s an argument to be made that McManaman is one of the most underrated talents Liverpool have been blessed with in the Premier League era.
“Only Barnes, Gerrard and Dalglish have more assists for LFC than McManaman, wow!”
– Jack Lusby, This is Anfield
9. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Several years ago, it would have been unimaginable to include a player who is technically a “defender” on this list, but such is the unique role he plays in Klopp’s side, there is no way we can leave Alexander-Arnold out.
One of the most technically gifted players in recent club history, Trent has been nothing short of a revelation since working his way through the academy and establishing himself in the first team.
He registered 19 assists in all competitions in 2021/22, his best figure yet, and continues to redefine the modern role of a right-back.
8. Philippe Coutinho
“The Little Magician”, as he became known, left fans with a sour taste in their mouths when he moved to Barcelona with deep pockets in January 2018, but that shouldn’t take anything away from his excellent performances during his time with Los Angeles. Networks. .
Having joined for just £8.5m in 2013, the Brazilian was a real joy to watch in his prime years with the club, and one has to wonder what he might have been had he spent more years working with Klopp.
“I love Thiago, but Phil Coutinho knew where the poles were!”
– Allan Ramsammy on Facebook
7. Ian Callaghan
With 837 appearances to his name, Callaghan has made more appearances for Liverpool than anyone else in their history.
Having played more centrally as a full-back in his schoolboy days, at Anfield, Callaghan was asked to play wide on the right, where he was able to use his power and pace to beat defenders and reach the baseline. and whip on centers.
Cally was a driving force behind the Reds’ success in the ’60s and ’70s.
6. Graeme Souness
The complete midfielder.
Souness’s passing range was outstanding, his changeable feet and dribbling ability enabled him to dodge challenges and his technique of cutting the ball to shoot home helped him score 55 goals from midfield.
In total, he won 14 medals with the Reds. Five Leagues, four European Cups, three League Cups and three Charity Shields.
5. John Barnes
Barnes was a majestic player, an absolutely unstoppable striker in his prime, with outstanding vision and a terrifyingly good left foot.
He won two league titles with the Reds, as well as two FA Cups and one League Cup.
“He used to tear apart every team’s defense when he wanted to – absolute class.”
–Nick Mason on Facebook
4. Xabi Alonso
An absolute joy to watch. Alonso was a deep-lying playmaker who, at his best, had a passing range greater than any other player in Europe.
He was an unknown when Rafa Benítez signed him in 2004, but he would go on to become one of the great midfielders in modern football, moving on to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after his spell at Liverpool.
Not forgetting his role in the triumph of the 2005 Champions League final either.
“The team fell apart when he left!”
–Dominic Hill on Facebook
“Pass master!”
–Shane Masterson on Facebook
3. Jan Molby
Molby’s lack of mobility was questioned when he first arrived at Liverpool, but his skill, passing range and shooting ability certainly made up for it.
“The Great Dane” is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders to have played for the club, having initially arrived as a trial player from Ajax in 1984.
“He didn’t need to run, he could run the game from center circle and pass a ball through a straw. The most underrated player of his time!”
– Simon Spires on Facebook
2. Steven Gerard
Widely regarded as the best midfielder in Liverpool history, Gerrard had it all. He was able to operate in various midfield roles, but arguably his best years came when he was used in an advanced midfield role.
He formed a telepathic partnership with prolific striker Fernando Torres, thriving in the No. 10 role and specializing in set pieces.
“Gerrard playing the No.10 role behind Torres, you couldn’t play in those years.”
– @kirkbypr on Twitter
1. Kenny Dalglish
King Kenny is widely considered the greatest player to ever redshirt, and for good reason.
His vision, his touch and his quick thinking on the pitch made him truly unique.
Dalglish’s awareness of dropping and picking up the ball in midfield made him a threat as both a playmaker and finisher. Simply the best.
“Best midfielder? The reason I started supporting this great club, the one and only Kenny Dalglish.”
– @garethreynold12 on Twitter
