In the week when Philippe Coutinho was included in the PFA Team of the Year for his many fantastic displays for us, this is a chance to acknowledge some of the players that never quite got the credit they deserved.
READ MORE:
Liverpool Transfer News
Liverpool boss Rodgers does his best to explain Hull defeat
Memphis Depay drops hint over Liverpool move on Facebook
Since the beginning of the Premier League, we may not have won the title, but we have collected plenty of honours along the way, and yet many of these men have been forgotten, ridiculed, or discarded by the rest of the footballing world.
So here is an XI that – despite what we knew – was underrated by many, and on many occasions to their own cost.
GK- Jerzy Dudek
The Polish stopper did make a couple of mistake during his time with us, but his heroic performance in Istanbul a decade ago will go down as one of the greatest goalkeeping displays in a penalty shootout. Plus, his save in extra-time from Andriy Shevchenko – while he knew little about it – was one of the most incredible moments in a breathtaking Champions League final.
RB- Steve Finnan
There weren’t many people you could rely on more to put in a consistent, battling display than Steve Finnan. The Republic of Ireland international spent five years on Merseyside, and made nearly 150 Premier League appearances for us.
CB- Stephane Henchoz
The Swiss defender featured for four British clubs, but enjoyed his most successful time at Anfield. Alongside Sami Hyypia, he formed a formidable defensive partnership, which helped us to the cup treble in 2001.
CB- Sami Hyypia
He may be a legend to us, but somehow Sami Hyypia never appeared to get the credit he deserved. He made the PFA Team of the Year twice, but should certainly be considered one of the best defenders to have ever graced the Premier League.
LB- Stig Inge Bjornebye
Like Hyypia, the Norwegian was another who made the Team of the Year. His recognition came in 1997, as he helped us mount a decent attempt at the title. We came fourth, but finished level on points with the two teams – Arsenal and Newcastle – ahead of us. We conceded less goals than both sides in the top two.
RM- Vladimir Smicer
Injuries meant that we arguably never got to see the best of Smicer. However, his effort for the cause could never be questioned. In the Champions League final of 2005 – which the Czech knew would be his last game for us – he scored the goal which brought us to within one of the three that AC Milan had managed in the first-half. His last act for the club would be to score what would become the decisive penalty to help us to our fifth triumph in the competition.
CM- Gary McAllister
Despite his undeniable quality, there were many who doubted Gary McAllister when he joined our club in 2000, as the former Scotland international was 35. However, he proved that age is just a number, as he became an integral member of the treble-winning side. And whilst he couldn’t guide us to the league title, he did score an incredible stoppage time free-kick to win the Merseyside derby in 2001.
CM- Danny Murphy
How a player as technically gifted as Danny Murphy only got nine caps for England is a mystery. At just £1.5m, the midfielder has to be one of the best signings we have made in the Premier League era. Coincidentally, Murphy would be the sole goalscorer on three occasions against Manchester United.
LM- John Arne Riise
Although used more as a defender, there was no denying that John Arne Riise always offered an attacking threat. His thunderbolt free-kicks gave him cult-hero status, but he backed that up with his tireless stamina, and fantastic crossing ability.
ST- Emile Heskey
Arguably one the most underrated players in the Premier League, Emile Heskey should not be judged on his goalscoring record, but how many goals those around him got. As it is, he has still managed over 100 goals in the top flight. He was one of the strongest target-men in the league, and Michael Owen’s record would be a lot less impressive for both club and country, had it not been for Heskey.
ST- Dirk Kuyt
If there was one player that went under the radar as their tireless effort benefited others, it is arguably Dirk Kuyt. Despite playing as a winger for much of his Anfield career, he still boasts an impressive record of very nearly a goal every four games. What would Brendan Rodgers would give to have the Dutchman available now?