Can Coutinho eventually top this pile…?
The sister site of the official website, Liverpool Xtra, has named our most gifted no.10s in history, following the brilliant form of the man who currently dons the shirt – Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian playmaker epitomises the modern ‘trequartista’, combining wonderful technical ability with vision and creative flair.
If he carries on progressing as he has – Coutinho can climb near the very top of this list, although he hasn’t yet been included in this compiled list.
7) Luis Garcia
As utterly frustrating as we was often brilliant. Liverpool fans forgive the Spanish attacker his lazy attitude to tracking back, and his habit of going missing, because of his penchant for utter genius. His superb volley against Juventus in the Champions League was his best strike, but his ‘ghost goal’ against Chelsea in the semi-final was that little sweeter.
6) Michael Owen
A brilliant finisher, Owen ruined his connection with the Anfield faithful by running down his contract and leaving for cheap to Real Madrid, before later signing for Manchester United. Still, his two-goal salvo won us the FA Cup in 2001, the same year in which he picked up the Ballon D’or.
5) Jan Molby
Not the most gracious mover, Molby let his feet do the talking – and quickly became a fans’ favourite thanks to his effortless style and brilliant array of passing – which foreshadowed Xabi Alonso’s eventual arrival at Anfield.
4) Tommy Smith
Smith was never really a no.10, and is most remembered for wearing the no.4 jersey. Smith made 467 top flight appearances during a 16 year stay on Merseyside, winning four titles, two UEFA Cups and a European Cup to boot.
3) Terry McDermott
Scorer of one of the best goals in Liverpool history, McDermott bagged wonderful efforts consistently, and he plundered six league titles and three European Cups during our most successful ever period. Check out some of his best efforts, below…
2) John Toshak
Toshak’s partnership with Kevin Keegan formed one of the most feared striking duos in English football history. Toshak’s technical strength, ability to hold up the ball, and his finishing saw him pickup trophies aplenty, and almost 100 league goals. He went on to manage Real Madrid, Wales, and even Macedonia.
1) John Barnes
Hands down the greatest no.10 in Liverpool’s history, and arguably the best player full-stop (although Keving Keegan and Steven Gerrard are probably ahead of him in the pecking order…). Coutinho would be wise to learn from Barnes, who was not only a terrifyingly effective dribbler, but a consistent goalscorer and creator, too.
