Liverpool have had great scoring midfielders in their history, but which individuals make it into the top 10 of all time?
One of the criticisms of this current Reds squad is the lack of goals from midfield, with the likes of Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita more famous for possessing other key attributes.
Over the years, however, numerous Liverpool midfielders have liked nothing better than finding the net, contributing their fair share of goals.
Here are our picks for Liverpool’s 10 best-scoring midfielders of all time: Provided they’ve played on the wings or through the center in a four-man midfield, or one of three, they’re eligible to make the cut.
So, for example, we didn’t count Dirk Kuyt, as he was predominantly a striker and played on the right of attack, not in midfield.
10. Luis Garcia
Appearances: 121 | Goals: 30 | Goals per game ratio: 4.03
On a bad day, Luis Garcia would leave you pulling your hair out, but he didn’t love a great goal!
The Spaniard was a major influence during the unforgettable 2005 Champions League triumph, scoring three times against Bayer Leverkusen and hitting half a volley at home to Juventus.
There was also the small matter of a certain ‘ghost goal’ when Chelsea visited Anfield, while his brilliant goal against the Blues in the 2006 FA Cup semi-final was also a beauty.
An average of just over a goal every four games is not insignificant for a midfielder.
9. Jan Molby
Appearances: 292 | Goals: 61 | Goals per game ratio: 4.78
Jan Molby may be famous for his playmaking wizardry as a midfielder, but it’s fair to say he also had an eye for goal.
That particularly applied in the early years of his time at Liverpool, in which he scored 21 times in 1985/86 and 12 the following year.
Of course, Molby’s cruelty from the penalty spot certainly helped his 61-goal total for Liverpool, but it would be unfair to downplay his overall goalscoring quality for that.
8. Philippe Coutinho
Appearances: 201 | Goals: 54 | Goals per game ratio: 3.72
We have Philippe Coutinho as a midfielder, and the Brazilian was often used there during Brendan Rodgers’ time as manager.
It was a delight to watch the now Aston Villa man when he was in full swing, scoring long-range curlers with ease, including one that felt huge at the time, against Man City in 2014.
Coutinho scored 42 times in his last two and a half seasons at Liverpool, bringing the cunning in midfield that has occasionally been missing since he left.
Time may not be kind to the Brazilian the way he left, but it was special football for the Reds.
7. John Wark
Appearances: 108 | Goals: 42 | Goals per game ratio: 2.57
John Wark has to be on this list, even if many Reds fans don’t think too fondly of his Liverpool career.
His record 42 goals in 108 matches is an excellent comeback for a midfielder (he led the line at times) and that included an incredible 27 in 1984/85.
However, Wark never seemed to fit in completely at Anfield, and his all-around game was flattered by deception, but his record is not to be ignored.
Lack of longevity prevents him from ranking higher.
6. Steve McManaman
Appearances: 364 | Goals: 66 | Goals per game ratio: 5.51
Steve McManaman has criminally underestimated himself over the years, mainly due to his acrimonious departure to Real Madrid in 1999.
He was the heartbeat of the Liverpool team during the 1990s, bringing energy, dribbling ability and end product.
While McManaman was generally seen as a provider of goals, often for his great friend Robbie Fowler, he also contributed 66 of his own.
A memorable solo goal against Celtic in the UEFA Cup in 1997 was a standout moment, but the midfielder could always be relied on to score close to double figures every season.
5.Ray Kennedy
Appearances: 393 | Goals: 72 | Goals per game ratio: 5.45
Ray Kennedy made a name for himself as a young striker at Arsenal, but Bob Paisley immediately turned him into a left-sided midfielder.
Tall and physically fit, he became a Liverpool legend over a period of eight years, scoring a priceless goal in the European Cup semi-final away to Bayern Munich in 1981.
Kennedy was a reliable source of goals throughout his time at Anfield, scoring 72 times in total and only scoring fewer than nine on one occasion (three, in 1981/82).
That rocket left foot quickly lit Anfield up: his recent sad demise at least allowed younger fans to remember his brilliance.
4. Terry McDermott
Appearances: 329 | Goals: 81 | Goals per game ratio: 4.06
Terry McDermott was a gem of a player, shining in a perfect midfield that also included Jimmy Case, Graeme Souness and Kennedy.
The Englishman mastered the art of timing his runs into the box and finding the net, with his header finishing off one of Liverpool’s great goals against Tottenham in 1978.
McDermott was also capable of scoring impressive individuals, as highlighted by an outrageous volley at Spurs that is still traveling to this day!
An excellent box-to-box player, he would be perfect for this modern Liverpool team.
3. John Barnes
Appearances: 407 | Goals: 108 | Goals per game ratio: 3.76
In his heyday, John Barnes was arguably the best player in the world, putting up consistent numbers from his left-wing role.
His finest hour came during Kenny Dalglish’s early years as manager, in which he scored 28 goals en route to being named the FWA Footballer of the Year.
Barnes could score from distance, finish inside the penalty area, take free kicks from home or even powerful headers – he was the complete footballer.
Any wide player who scores more than 100 times for Liverpool is elite.
2. Steven Gerard
Appearances: 710 | Goals: 186 | Goals per game ratio: 3.81
England have produced few better scoring midfielders in their history than Steven Gerrard.
A more defensive player in his early years, it was Rafa BenÃtez who brought out the best in him, since he scored 45 goals between the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons together, on the right side and behind Fernando Torres.
Gerrard reached double figures 10 times in his career, arriving late into the box and displaying unerring precision, while his eye for the spectacular from distance was also unrivaled.
He was a soccer god.
1. Billy Liddell
Appearances: 534 | Goals: 228 | Goals per game ratio: 2.34
Some may wrongly assume that Liddell was a forward, given his impressive record, but he was predominantly considered a left winger throughout his career.
The legendary Scot is fourth in Liverpool’s all-time goalscoring chart, scoring over 30 goals in 1954/55 (31) and 1955/56 (32), and also netted eight times in 29 games for Scotland.
Performing at a high level for many years is one of the hardest things in football, but Liddell made it look easy, playing for the Reds for three different decades.
He was never hired in his entire career, that gives you a real idea of ​​who he was.
There’s a reason Liverpool were known as ‘Liddellpool’ during his time at the club!
Honorable Mentions: Ronnie Whelan, Graeme Souness, Steve Heighway, Jimmy Case, Yossi Benayoun, Ray Houghton, Craig Johnston
