Alisson is Liverpool’s standout goalkeeper in the modern era, but is he the best in his position for the Reds?
While attacking players can often get the most applause for their match-winning antics, goalkeepers can be just as invaluable.
Fortunately, Liverpool have had some mythical figures in their sticks throughout their history, some of whom have become true Anfield legends.
Here’s how we ranked the Reds’ top 10 goalkeepers of all time.
10.David James
Beginnings: 276 | Clean sheets: 102
Of course, David James had mistakes in him and his best years were spent elsewhere, but he was still a perfectly good goalkeeper for Liverpool.
The former England No. 1 was a mainstay for Graeme Souness and Roy Evans’ teams in the 1990s, often making conspicuous saves at key moments, and tasted League Cup success in 1995.
James’ aforementioned mistakes ultimately defined his Liverpool career, but he was actually much better than many believed.
You don’t make 277 appearances for the Reds if you’re not at least half decent, and 213 of those were in succession!
9. Arthur Riley
Beginnings: 338 | Clean sheets: 69
Nearly 100 years ago, in 1925, Arthur Riley made his Liverpool debut, launching a solid Reds career.
The South African was initially Elisha Scott’s second choice for a long period, but he eventually took the number 1 shirt and remained at Anfield until 1939.
Riley was hailed as having “range, anticipation and a sure pair of hands”, and only the exceptional Scott stole him from being much higher on Liverpool’s all-time player list.
Sadly, no trophies ever came his way, but his place among Liverpool’s best goalkeepers is undeniable, as he helped stave off relegation more times than he would have liked.
8. Jerzy Dudek
Beginnings: 184 | Clean sheets: 74
Jerzy Dudek may not have been perfect, but he will always have Istanbul.
The Pole’s antics in the 2005 Champions League final will never be forgotten, from the unfathomable save to deny Andriy Shevchenko to his saves on penalties.
Away from that legendary night, Dudek was largely reliable, even though high-profile mistakes against Man United still rankle to this day.
He shone under Gerard Houllier and Rafa BenÃtez and will be welcomed to legendary matches for decades to come.
7. Sam Hardy
Sam Hardy made his #LFC debut 113 years ago today. One of the most famous goalkeepers of the era, he made 36 appearances in the 1905-06 season and helped Liverpool FC win the league. He stayed with our club for 7 years and played 240 times, then moved to Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/sdqlY49kIr
— LFChistory.net (@LFChistory) October 21, 2018
Starts: 240 | Clean sheets: 63
Like Riley, Sam Hardy isn’t necessarily a world-renowned Liverpool goalkeeper, but he was a star in his own right during the early part of the 20th century.
The Englishman spent seven years on Merseyside, winning the First Division title in 1905/06 and only making fewer than 30 appearances a season once in his seven-year Liverpool career.
Hardy was described as “the best goalkeeper I ever played against” by Charlie Buchan, co-founder of the Football Writers Association, and is a true pre-war Liverpool hero.
6. Pepe Reina
Beginnings: 394 | Clean sheets: 177
Before Alisson came along, Pepe Reina was Liverpool’s undisputed best goalkeeper in the Premier League era.
The Spaniard arrived as an upgrade on Dudek in 2005 and was an immediate favourite, winning the Golden Glove award in 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08.
With an eccentric character and a great team ethic, Reina improved those around him and deserved much more than a solitary League Cup medal to his name.
A World Cup and two European Championships with Spain were not a bad consolation, beware!
Reina’s form faltered later, but during those first three or four years, few in Europe were better on their feet and at decision-making.
5. Elisha Scott
Beginnings: 468 | Clean sheets: 137
When you think of legendary goalkeepers from the past, Scott’s name jumps out at you, after a brilliant career at Anfield.
As mentioned, he kept the impressive Riley out of the team in the 1920s, starring in back-to-back Division Two wins in 1921/22 and 1922/23.
By the time Scott departed in 1934, he had 468 appearances in total and had Everton legend Dixie Dean calling him “the best I’ve ever seen”.
Only Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar started more Liverpool games between the sticks, which is saying a lot.
4. Bruce Grobbelaar
Start: 628 | Clean sheets: 267
Forget all the eccentricities for a moment; more importantly, Grobbelaar was a world-class goalkeeper.
He was an unknown when he joined Liverpool in 1981, but when he left 13 years later, his trophy case was full and he was a big character in the game.
Grobbelaar’s antics during the 1984 European Cup final will always be legendary, with his spaghetti legs fooling the Roma players in the penalty shootout: he was very consistent with Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish.
There was also the small matter of six league titles and three FA Cups and League Cups each, in what was a career most goalkeepers only dream of.
3.Tommy Lawrence
Beginnings: 390 | Clean sheets: 133
Tommy Lawrence was once interviewed by the BBC to talk about a clash with Everton decades earlier in 1967, with the reporter completely unaware that he played in the actual game.
It was an incident that sums up how easily past legends are forgotten, when in reality he is one of the Reds’ best goalkeepers.
Lawrence was an indispensable figure for Bill Shankly’s Reds for most of the 1960s, winning the first FA Cup in the club’s history and also clinching two First Division titles.
Nicknamed ‘The Flying Pig’ by Liverpool supporters, he was fearless and had a stronghold in the number 1 shirt that forced the legendary Ray Clemence to bide his time.
2. Alisson
Beginnings: 192 | Clean sheets: 86
Like Alan Hansen and Virgil van Dijk, only longevity keeps Alisson from taking the top spot.
The 29-year-old has been an incredible signing since signing four years ago, standing out as the best goalkeeper in the world for much of that time.
Good on the ball, positionally exceptional, a strong organizer and a great shot-stopper, Alisson is the prototype of the perfect modern goalkeeper.
His greatest strength is making everything look so easy, and without him it’s hard to imagine Liverpool winning the Champions League and Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.
At 29, there could be another decade of him to come!
1. Ray Clemence
Beginnings: 665 | Clean sheets: 323
It just can’t not be Ray Clemence, can it?
One of the most influential players in Liverpool history, the former No. 1 won five league titles and three European Cups during a 13-year spell at Anfield, among many other trophies.
He was acrobatic, producing enough memorable saves to make a DVD, but he was also a reassuring presence conceding just 16 league goals in 42 games in 1978/79.
Had it not been for Peter Shilton, an equally excellent goalkeeper, Clemence would have won over 100 England caps without breaking a sweat.
Alisson still has a lot to accomplish to take Clemence’s place!
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