Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness made his club debut on this day in 1978…
Liverpool have had plenty of iconic hard-men over the years. No player embodies that reputation better than Graeme Souness, who made his Reds debut 37 years ago today.
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To celebrate the anniversary of Souness’ debut, LFC Xtra have compiled a list of the top ten hard-men in our club’s history. Count them down in the list below and see if you agree:
10) Ronnie Whelan
The hard-working midfielder made 362 league appearances for the club between 1979 and 1994. The Irishman also scored 46 goals, winning six First Division titles and the European Cup.
9) Joey Jones
The touch-tackling left-back’s reputation was so powerful, that his exploits on route to the 1977 European Cup earned him a banner reading: “Joey Ate The Frogs’ Legs, Made The Swiss Roll, Now He’s Munching Gladbach.”
8) Jamie Carragher
One of the greatest centre backs in Liverpool history, his performance in the 2005 Champions League final will never be forgotten. Carragher made 737 career appearances for the Reds, although he managed just five goals.
7) Steven Gerrard
Arguably Liverpool’s greatest ever player, the captain might be preparing to move to the MLS in the summer, but he will always be remembered at Anfield. The hero of Istanbul has scored 182 goals in 697 games for the club.
6) Ron Yeats
The towering centre-half played 358 league games for Liverpool between 1961 and 1971, winning the first division title twice and the FA Cup. An integral part of Bill Shankly’s first great Liverpool team.
5) Steve McMahon
Graeme Souness’ direct replacement in the Liverpool midfield, the terrier-like player began his career with Everton, but became a hero at Anfield, winning nine major honours including three first division titles.
4) Jimmy Case
Preferred to play on the right hand side of the midfield, but never shied away from a battle. He made 186 league appearances in an eight year spell at Anfield, winning three European Cups as part of the Reds’ golden generation.
3) Gerry Byrne
The dominant defender broke his collarbone in the 1965 FA Cup final, but refused to be taken off. The left-back remained at Anfield for his entire career, which was cut short due to injury in 1969, with Byrne aged 31.
2) Tommy Smith
The defender was nicknamed the Anfield Iron, his hard-man reputation was well earned despite him only once being sent-off throughout the course of his career. Smith played 467 league games, while Bill Shankly once said of him: “Tommy Smith wasn’t born, he was quarried.”
1) Graeme Souness
Played 247 league games for the Reds between 1978-1984, scoring 38 goals in 247 games before leaving for Italy. He won 15 major honours during his time at the club, including three European Cups.
