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Perhaps the club with the biggest heart and the best supporters in the world. The club who mesmerized the football fraternity in the late seventies and eighties seem to have lost its shine. A team in transition branded the ignominy of not having won the League in twenty three years. Their famous ‘pass and move’ football captivated the world. Immaculate players with unbelievable chips and dominating runs have made them legends in their own right. Perhaps no other side in modern football has such an intimidating stadium.
Today we take a look at the giants of World football, Liverpool FC and pick their all time best possible staring eleven.
Goalkeeper: Ray Clemence
Well, we could have picked a team of goalkeepers alone, considering the fact that Liverpool have been blessed in this department. We were spoilt for choice for this goalkeeping slot with the likes of Pepe Reina, Jersey Dudek and Bruce Grobbelaar who have played their hearts out for this team from Merseyside. But 5 league titles, 2 UEFA Cups and one FA Cup in an illustrious nine year period is enough to consider Ray Clemence as perhaps the best goalkeeper to have played for the Reds from Merseyside. With 335 clean sheets in 665 appearances, coupled with his athleticism, sheer grit and intimidating presence, many claim Ray Clemence is arguably the most decorated Goalkeeper in British Football.
Defenders:
Right Back: Phil Neal
22 medals in a career spanning 11 years at the top for Liverpool justifies Phil Neal’s selection in our right back position. An epitome of fitness and determination, Neal played 417 consecutive games for the Reds, a record which still stands and one which seems very hard to break. From being the only Liverpool player to have appeared in five European finals, this celebrated right back won eight League titles, four European Cups, one European Super Cup, one UEFA Cup, five Charity Shields and four League Cups.
Left Back: Alan Kennedy
Liverpool fans would always remember his goal against Real Madrid that won their favourite club the European Cup for the third time in 1981. When he first signed for the club, it seemed as if the recuperating injuries would cut short his career. But boy, what a way to turn it around and silence the critics! He went on to be the crux of the team which formed an impenetrable force all over the world and one of those players who Liverpool have simply not been able to replace over the years. He earns his spot, beating the likes of Emlyn Hughes and John Arne Risse by a long mile.
Central Defenders
Jamie Carragher
“We all dream of Carraghers” was how Anfield reverberated through the years to show their love for Jamie Carragher. Frankly speaking, I really don’t know who is better between Carragher and Sami Hyypia, but the Englishman just edges it due to his devotion and determination towards one club. He currently holds the record of having the most European appearances for his side, a testament to what one can achieve through passion and sheer grit. With over 700 appearances for Liverpool, few would question his selection on the starting list. You can’t name one Liverpool fan who doesn’t remember his out-of-the-world display against AC Milan in the Champions League Final in Istanbul in 2005, battling cramps and excruciating pain to bring the Cup home to Anfield. A true Liverpool legend if ever there was one.
Alan Hansen
Arguably the best ever defender to have played for Liverpool FC. In an illustrious career spanning over thirteen years for the Reds, he went on to win eight League titles, three European Cups, three League Cups, two FA Cups and six Charity Shields. Apart from being a no nonsense defender who was always willing to commit himself in a 50-50 tackle or throw his body on the line for the cause, he was more than a team man and a born leader. Hence, it is no surprise that Liverpool won the double of the English League and FA Cup during his time at the club.
Midfielders
Right Winger: Ian Callaghan
Ian Callaghan amassed the most number of appearances for Liverpool. Arguably Liverpool’s best right midfielder who, with his versatility, won accolades from all over the world, he won five league titles, two FA Cups, two European Cups, two UEFA Cups and a Super Cup. Callaghan is one of only three English footballers to have a World Cup and a European Cup winner’s medal, the others being archrivals Manchester United’s Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles. An epitome of greatness and one of Liverpool’s favourite sons to have worn the famous Red shirt.
Left Winger: John Barnes
Perhaps the greatest winger to have played for the red half of Merseyside. Such was his precision passing and his darting runs to the opposition defence, he could pass the ball from anywhere on the pitch. Known for his unbelievable work rate and someone who could run, run and run, John Barnes is any manager’s dream player. Over his eleven year period, he helped his club to two League titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup and three Charity Shields. Liverpool hasn’t ever produced a left footed player better than John Barnes in my opinion. Perhaps the easiest choice on our list.
Central Midfielders
Graeme Souness
Known for his hard tackling, leadership abilities and ball distribution, Graeme Souness in my opinion will fit into any Liverpool team without a shadow of doubt. Known as the iron-man of Merseyside, Souness captivated the world of English and European Football alike with his imagination and game reading abilities. He amassed up 359 total appearances for Liverpool from 1977-1984, scoring 55 goals and has five League titles, three European Cups and four Carling Cups beside his name.
Arguably the best ever player to have played for this famous club and considered the greatest midfielder England has ever produced, Steven Gerrard is an epitome of anything required to be a successful player both on and off the game. The more said about him, the lesser it seems. In my opinion, Steven Gerrard is an institution by himself who would walk into any team. He is someone who is respected by the football fraternity and considered the engine of the team. Hence, it comes as no surprise when French legend Zinedine Zidane claims him as the best midfielder of this generation. It would be a huge shame if he retires without a League title and a World Cup winner’s medal beside his name. But that would be too small a black spot on his glorious and immaculate career.
Strikers
Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush
The king and the prince are just the best ever pair to have played up front .
Kenny Dalglish is not called KING without a reason, Liverpool fans would know why. Ian Rush is Liverpool’s leading goalscorer of all time and it seems the pair was rightly made in heaven. Whereas Dalglish won six league titles, four League Cups, three European Cups, and five Charity Shields, Rush has five Division One titles, three F.A. Cups and five League Cups to his credit. Arguably the deadliest duo ever in World football.
Substitutes
- Pepe Reina
- Sami Hyppia
- Xabi Alonso
- Dirk Kuyt
- Robbie Fowler
- Emyln Hughes
- Ron Yeats
- Steve Heighway/Tommy Smith
It was a herculean task picking a list of eleven from several eras of players who have shook the famous Kop. Readers and fans are bound to have different perceptions. Hence we would love to hear from you. Cheers.
