25) Patrik Berger (1996-2003)
The Czech winger oozed class at his best, and had one of the most powerful left-footed shots the Premier League has ever seen. 35 goals in total mark a decent return from a wide role in the then standard 4-4-2 formation which was being deployed. Berger bagged screamers against Manchester United and Spurs that will live long in the memory of supporters, some of which were disappointed to see him join Portsmouth in 2003.
24) Luis Garcia (2004-2007)
As frustrating as he was brilliant, Luis Garcia was one of the first players who arrived when Rafa Benitez took charge in 2004. The mercurial Spaniard was capable of genius, and while he occasionally flattered to deceive – he regularly arrived on the big occasion. He’ll be most remembered for his Champions League exploits of course – the Juventus thunderbolt first, and more satisfyingly, the Chelsea ‘ghost goal’.
23) Jordan Henderson (2011-Present)
Henderson was almost loaned to Fulham after failing to justify his lofty price-tag early on, but his transformation since has been nothing short of remarkable. The England international has taken Gerrard’s captain’s armband, and looks set to skipper the side for years to come. While he lacks the departing midfielder’s match-winning genius, he matches him in terms of effort and commitment to the cause. Expect Henderson to at least double his 187 appearances and 20 goals at Liverpool before he moves on.
22) Gary McAllister (2000-2002)
Two years was all it took the ageing Scot to pen his name into the club’s history books. Little was expected when he arrived on a free from Coventry, but his signing was arguably the catalyst for our brilliant campaign in 2000-01. He bagged a 40-yard free-kick winner in a Merseyside derby, marshalled the midfield as we defeated Arsenal in the FA Cup final, and assisted the Golden Goal winner in the UEFA Cup final too. It’s great to have him back at the club now.
21) Lucas Leiva (2007-Present)
Lucas’ transformation, professionalism and commitment to Liverpool should never be underestimated. The Brazilian arrived as a lauded attacking midfielder, aged 20, but he simply didn’t have the athleticism or creativity to fulfil that kind of role. This led the Kop to actually boo him, taking out frustrations created by Rafa Benitez’s increasingly strange, negative and stubborn decision-making on the South American – who has never claimed to be anything other than what he was. But reinventing himself as a disciplined anchorman, Lucas thrived – earning a reputation as one of the country’s best defensive midfielders – winning our Player of the Year award for the 2010-11 season. Had injuries not blighted his progression, and they seriously did, he’d likely still be mentioned in such debates now. If he does move on this summer, Lucas will always be welcomed back with open arms.
