20) Jamie Redknapp (1991-2002)
Redknapp became the most expensive 17-year-old in football history when Liverpool signed him from Bournemouth for £350k in early 1991, but it wasn’t until later that year that he made his debut. He developed well during the early 1990s, and became an England regular, but sadly – his career will be defined as much by the injuries which stopped him reaching his potential as by his ability. He was club captain during our 2000-01 treble, but didn’t play a single game – with Steven Gerrard’s emergence eventually rendering him surplus to requirements. Redknapp made 308 appearances in total though, and only seven players have played more in the Premier League for us.
19) Daniel Sturridge (2013-Present)
Sturridge, when fit, is a lethal striker. He’s rapid, incredibly skilful and can finish brilliantly with either foot. It’s no exaggeration to say that when healthy and firing on all cylinders, he’s up there with Europe’s best forwards. And his goal record for Liverpool proves this: 40 goals in 67 games – which have come at irregular intervals due to his injury problems. Combining with Luis Suarez in 2013-14, Liverpool had arguably the Premier League’s most dynamic and dangerous strike pairing in its history. They were unbelievable – registering over 50 goals between them in that season. It’s imperative to our future success that the forward stays fit and maximises his potential. The fact his absence essentially defined our campaign in 2014-15 proves his importance.
18) Danny Murphy (1997-2004)
Murphy, captured from Crewe at a young age, won Liverpool’s Player of the Year award in 2002-03 having bagged 12 season goals, but it was his three winning strikes at Old Trafford that secured his name in our folklore. The midfielder was comfortable on the right or centrally, and blossomed under Gerard Houllier’s guidance. An outstanding penalty and free-kick taker with a superb composure on the ball, Murphy bagged 44 goals in total before Rafa Benitez sent him to Charlton upon his arrival.
17) Philippe Coutinho (2013-Present)
We’ve ranked the Brazilian magician at 17, but by the end of his Merseyside tenure, he could be pushing the top 5. Coutinho is that special, and the reason why words such as ‘magician’ and ‘genius’ appear so often in sentences describing him. His talent knows no ceiling, flatly, and it’s absurd to think he’s only 23-years-old – a good three years from his peak as an attacking midfielder. The South American arrived from Inter Milan as much of an unknown quantity, but the Kop immediately adored him because of his skill, speed and creative ability in the final third. Coutinho is a player fans pay to watch. At the start of his tenure the only criticism aimed at him was a lack of end product, but wondergoals against Southampton, Bolton, Manchester City and Stoke during the past 12 months have put this suggestion to rest. He’s improving weekly, and won our Player of the Year award for 2014-15 at a canter. Few would bet against him doing it again this term. Thankfully, we tied him to a very lengthy contract at the end of last season. Long may he grace us with his brilliance.
16) Daniel Agger (2006-2014)
The likeable Dane was an adopted Scouser, for sure, and it was with heavy hearts from players and fans alike that he left in the summer of 2014, eight years after signing. Agger oozed class on the ball, and at his peak, was turning down offers from Barcelona and Manchester City to stay with club he grew to love. Brilliantly, Agger chose to join boyhood club Brondby last year – stating that he couldn’t bear to represent a Liverpool rival. The ‘Great Dane’s’ tattoo collection displays his love for the Reds, and the Kop will always remember his swerving strike from 35-yards against West Ham in 2006.
