In a draft of Liverpool strikers, you’d be spoiled for choice – such is the long list of world-class talent who have donned the redshirt – but who is in the top ten of all time?
From classy technicians and quick strikers to the traditional centre-forward, Liverpool have had it through the years.
They helped you to your feet, wowed you by their sheer skill, and then celebrated carefree with friends, family, and strangers alike, and we’ve all had our favorites along the way.
You may have ordered this top 10 slightly differently, but we’re sure you’ll agree who makes the cut!
You may notice the likes of Mohamed Salah, John Barnes and Billy Liddell missing and that’s because this list is reserved for center forwards so don’t worry they weren’t overlooked.
Without further ado, here are the top ten Liverpool strikers.
10. John Aldridge
Games: 104 | Goals: 63
A fan favorite and it’s not hard to see why.
‘Aldo’ was deadly in the box, deadly in the air and his link game was second to none, a skill set that allowed him to quickly settle into the flank.
He scored in each of his first nine league games in the 1987/88 season and did not shirk the responsibility of taking on the role of successor to the great Ian Rush.
John Aldridge conjured the magic and his shooting rate of 63 goals in 104 appearances speaks for itself.
“He had so much pressure on his shoulders to replace Rush and coming from Oxford Utd he had to succeed and he did!”
– @avtarborneo on Twitter
8.Kevin Keegan
Games: 323 | Goals: 100
An attacking force to be reckoned with, Kevin Keegan was an integral part of Liverpool’s trophy-laden years from 1971 to 1977 thanks to his work-rate, fitness and tenacity.
It was Bill Shankly who signed Keegan for just £35,000, a fee the former manager described as “robbery with violence”.
A born winner, Keegan lit up Anfield, establishing a deadly partnership with John Toshack and always wowing fans with his dynamism, courage and skill.
One of Liverpool’s best, and that his departure in 1977 was felt so deeply said a lot.
9.Michael Owen
Games: 158 | Goals: 297
Now he may be a polarizing figure, to say the least, but Michael Owen is one of the best products to emerge from the Liverpool academy.
Just 17 years old when he made his debut, Owen was the Reds’ leading scorer every season between 1997 and 2004, breaking countless records in the process.
A young prodigy with pace to burn, the perfect temperament, vision and class, Owen always delivered and only a vicious series of injuries could rob him of his best years.
A Ballon d’Or winner with the Reds, Owen inspired a generation and his role in the 2001 FA Cup Final will never be forgotten.
7.Robbie Fowler
Games: 369 | Goals: 183
Robbie Fowler is sixth in the club’s all-time goalscoring chart and finds himself in that position after two different spells with Liverpool.
With 13 goals in his first 15 appearances for the club, Fowler was always destined for greatness and he delivered.
His hat-trick against Arsenal in just four minutes and 33 seconds was a highlight, a young genius who had the personality to match his magic on the pitch.
It wasn’t always easy for Fowler, but ‘God’ delivered when Liverpool needed him, just ask Alaves! A special player with a natural goalscoring instinct.
6. Ian San Juan
Games: 425 | Goals: 118
One of the most transformative signings in club history, Ian St John was a colossus for the Reds and what he lacked in height he made up for in skill, opportunity and tenacity.
St John and Ron Yeats would prove to be the two pillars on which Liverpool would build to get out of the Second Division and put the club on a new course, one full of silver.
‘El Santo’ was not afraid to face opposition but, more importantly, he could talk and walk.
His diving header in 1965 delivered Liverpool’s first FA Cup, one of four silver pieces St John collected during his decade at Anfield.
A legend in every sense of the word.
5. Gordon Hodgson
Games: 241 | Goals: 241
The great Gordon Hodgson was the star of the 1920s and 1930s for Liverpool, a period that saw him dominate in front of goal, so much so that he remains third on the all-time goalscoring list.
Hodgson was signed by Liverpool after a tour of England from South Africa in the early 1920s and repaid the club’s faith and then some by continually rewriting the record books.
No Liverpool player has scored more hat-tricks than Hodgson (17), who averaged more than 20 goals per season during his 11 years with the Reds.
A shining light at a time when cutlery was scarce and the Blues were the all-conquering side on Merseyside.
4. Luis Suarez
Games: 133 | Goals: 82
When you think of players who can turn a game around in an instant, Luis Suarez is one of the first names that comes to mind.
A genius and a magician, Suarez was hypnotic and never failed to send supporters into euphoria, with his ability to find the net second to none, and you wonder how quickly his tally would have risen had he stayed at Anfield.
Devastating and otherworldly, the former No. 7 was a joy to behold and consistently made the impossible possible.
A fierce competitor that anyone would love to have on their team, but hate when they’re on the opposite side of the white line.
“He literally had everything and was unplayable back in the day.”
–Mike Sherwood on Facebook
3. Kenny Dalglish
Games: 515 | Goals: 172
The king ascended the throne without delay, Kenny Dalglish settled into the conquering side of Bob Paisley with ease and quickly showed his great genius.
He finished his first season at the top of the club’s scoring charts and scored the winning goal in the European Cup final, which was just the beginning of a legendary career as a rojillo.
Arms raised and a big smile on his face, Dalglish’s goal celebrations were iconic and he gave fans plenty to celebrate, so much so that he is seventh on the all-time goalscoring list.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beloved former player and manager, someone whose drive and perseverance stand the test of time.
“He scored every type of goal possible, but he wasn’t selfish and misled Rushie and others instead of just focusing on his own stats.
“He didn’t go abroad for more money and has been loyal to the club since he finished his time as a player.”
– Ian R Morrison on Facebook
2. Roger Hunt
Games: 492 | Goals: 285
‘Sir Roger’ won the World Cup with England in 1966, but his exploits for Liverpool have seen him remain a revered and inspiring figure, scoring a whopping 285 goals in 492 appearances.
A key pillar in the Reds’ rise to the First Division, Hunt combined with St John to devastating effect and is perhaps more appreciated by those who played him than those who watched him ply his trade.
Hunt’s unquestioning work-rate, deadly finishing and persistence made him a constant nuisance to the opposition and there are few who can knock him out of this position on the roster.
1.Ian Rush
Games: 660 | Goals: 346
There can be no discussion here.
With 346 goals, Rush is Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer and it’s a tally you think will never be surpassed.
The word legend can be used too much, but that doesn’t apply to Rush, who was highly regarded at Anfield, feared by the opposition, but revered by all.
And not only was he a prolific goalscorer, but he was also the team’s first linebacker, a player willing to step back and help his team – there was no ego where Rush was concerned.
A true legend of Liverpool and the game.
“The most clinical finisher I have ever seen. Goal scoring machine. And pressed before “pressing” was ever heard of.
He single-handedly persecuted all the defenders making their lives a misery.”
– @andyhersh on Twitter
