Liverpool have been home to some impressive full-backs over the years, but who makes our top ten list?
The role of a full-back has evolved more than any other position on a football pitch, with the demands on an attacking sense changing how the role is perceived.
The position has undergone significant changes from a defensive approach to the creative center of the team, as has been the case with Liverpool.
The Reds currently have two full-backs who have helped redefine the role and rank among the best in the world, but where do they rank in the history of the job at Anfield?
10.Steve Staunton
As you’ll see throughout the list, versatility is king for a full-back and Staunton was no different, delivering everything that was asked of him on top of his usual left-back duties.
During two different spells at Liverpool during the 1980s and 1990s, Staunton played a key role on the left and saw his international career flourish alongside his exploits at Anfield.
He is not the most popular player, but he made a significant contribution to the trophy case and was good enough for the club to sign not just once but twice.
9. Markus Babel
A Liverpool career cut short too soon, with his 73 appearances leaving you wanting more, especially after his debut season ended with a cup treble in 2001.
A difficult man to beat defensively, Babbel was equally impressive in the attacking phases of the game with marauding runs down the right flank assisted by his nimble and quick feet.
Babbel was a professional model and many hoped for a long career as a right-back before his illness broke his stamina.
A player who had a big impact in a short time.
8. Tommy Smith
Ever present throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Smith was the king of versatility, first starting in attack before moving to central defense and then covering both full-back positions.
Intimidating, brave and certainly someone you don’t think of when he comes at you for a tackle, Smith was a sensible player.
While the full-back was not the role he always played, he made an impression and was someone who would inspire those around him to greater heights. A total of 638 Liverpool appearances in his career speaks volumes.
7.Rob Jones
Injury may have curtailed his Anfield career, but there’s no denying Rob Jones’ talent as a right-back during the 1990s.
Courageous, defensively astute and confident on the ball, Jones is somewhat underrated, but not here.
He adapted when needed at left-back and rarely, if ever, made a misstep – and we don’t count mistakes in that group!
Forced to retire at age 27, Jones left it all on the field and left many wanting more.
6.Chris Lawler
As unassuming as he seems, so much so that he was nicknamed ‘The Silent Knight’, and Bob Paisley said that Lawler had the “brain of a striker”.
He put it to good use, scoring 61 times in 549 appearances from 1963 to 1975 at right-back: Lawler offered a glimpse of what the modern full-back would be like.
Lawler was a product of Bill Shankly and had superior durability, as evidenced by playing in every game during the 66-game campaign in 1972/73, by which time he was 30 years old.
A Scouser who let his football do the talking.
5.Andy Robertson
Robertson’s arrival was perceived by many as disappointing, but the Scot emphatically put those thoughts to rest to address a long-standing problem at left-back.
Energetic, creative and robust defensively, Robertson’s rise has gone hand in hand with his full-back partner and his durability has made him an ever-present for Jurgen Klopp.
While his ability in front of goal is an area for improvement, he certainly knows how to establish one and the passion he exudes for Liverpool quickly tagged him as a fan favourite.
4. Trent Alexander-Arnold
The next generation of full-backs, at the age of 23, Alexander-Arnold had grabbed all six major honors available to him, and there’s every chance he can do it all again.
A wand to a right boot and the vision to match, Alexander-Arnold is a playmaker from right back and one of the best in the world today.
The modern right back, the Scouser of our team, and you feel like he won’t always be in this position on the roster…
3. Steve Nicholas
One of the greatest full-backs in club history, a career spanning 12 years and 468 appearances, with eight major honors during that time.
Versatile would be to underestimate Nicol such was his dexterity and adaptability, a two-footed genius who was as solid on defense as he was deadly on offense.
“He can defend, he can tackle, he can head the ball, he can take on players and he can score goals”, this is how Graeme Souness, Nicol’s former captain, deduced his qualities.
A true great.
2. Alan Kennedy
A Bob Paisley signing, Kennedy solved another left-back problem for the Reds, even if it didn’t look like that would be the case after his jittery debut.
His left boot was responsible for the 1981 European Cup triumph and then again in 1984 during the penalty shootout, a player of supreme composure and confidence.
Kennedy’s pace and dedication set him apart from the rest, an attacking fullback with a knack for scoring on the big stage.
1.Phil Neal
An unknown quantity signed by the Fourth Division, Neal soon wrote his name in legend, with his composure, skill, awareness and penalty shootout prowess.
Combine that with the incredible durability that saw him feature in 365 consecutive league games and you have one of Liverpool’s best right-backs.
Neal scored 59 goals throughout his career, 38 of them from the penalty spot, including a conversion in the 1977 European Cup final. The most decorated player in Liverpool history with 22 silver pieces.
What a player.
