10) Steve McManaman (1990-1999)
A swashbuckling right-winger who loved nothing more than taking on the left-back, McManaman, along with Redknapp and Fowler, was a poster boy for the mid-nineties Spice Boys, wearers of those infamous white FA Cup final suits. But McManaman was so much more than flair and shaggy hair. The attacker was an outstanding dribbler who had a penchant for running the length of the pitch with the ball at his feet. Between 1995 and 1998 he reached double figures for both goals and assists for three consecutive seasons, the kind of form that would make him a £30m-plus player nowadays, but it was for nothing that Real Madrid signed him in 1999 – acquiring him on a Bosman. Due to the ongoing contract dispute and tug-of war for his services, McManaman’s final season at Liverpool was soured, but the overall contribution and excitement he provided shouldn’t be forgotten.
9) Xabi Alonso (2004-2009)
The most mercurial and elegant midfielder in our history, watching Xabi Alonso pass a football was a true joy to behold. During his career he’s won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid, the World Cup and the Euros with Spain, the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and scored from his own half. Twice. Arriving from Real Sociedad during Benitez’s first summer in charge, Alonso immediately became a fans’ favourite – eventually forming a midfield trio with Mascherano and Gerrard – the like of which has not been seen since. Arguably Benitez and subsequently Liverpool’s decline was as a direct result of our former manager’s treatment of the Spaniard. Benitez publicly tried to replace him with Gareth Barry following a quiet season in 2007-08, but the manager failed, and Alonso’s unbelievable form in 2008-09 proved that Benitez had made a mistake. Still, the damage had been done, and the maestro pined for a move away with Real Madrid providing him a way out, spending a cool £30m for his services. Alonso’s replacement Alberto Aquilani flopped, and we didn’t finish in the top four for another five seasons.
8) Michael Owen (1996-2004)
The man who burst onto the world stage as a teenager at the 1998 World Cup, had already been carving his name into Liverpool history for more than twelve months prior to THAT strike against Argentina. Owen finished the 1997-98 season with 18 Premier League goals and he continued to maintain an incredible degree of consistency throughout his time with us. He finished his Reds career with 118 top flight goals, a level of success which earned him a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. Unfortunately for him, his career took a huge downturn following on from his Anfield exit, and his spells at Newcastle, Manchester United and Stoke were dominated by injury. Nonetheless, this academy product and local lad who scored his first Liverpool goal at just 17, will always be fondly remembered for his early success.
7) Pepe Reina (2005-2013)
Easily our greatest ever goalkeeper of the Premier League era. The Spaniard won three Golden Gloves and the hearts of the Kop during his stint on Merseyside, as well as a debut season FA Cup under Rafa Benitez. At his peak, which sadly didn’t last as long as it could have, Reina was undoubtedly one of the world’s best three or four stoppers.
6) Fernando Torres (2007-2011)
The Kop has now forgiven ‘El Nino’ for leaving to join Chelsea in 2011, and in truth – the grudge was perhaps unfair considering promises made to the Spanish striker had undoubtedly been broken by the club’s hierarchy. He’d also watched Rafa Benitez leave the club and Roy Hodgson take over, enough to drive anyone out. At his peak, Torres was arguably the best striker in the world. His first three seasons bore 72 goals, and he would’ve scored more had injury not derailed part of his 2008-09 campaign. During that season his relationship with Steven Gerrard was at its most prominent, and the pair came within a few points of pipping a Cristiano Ronaldo inspired United to the title. Pace, power, movement and goals. His best was short-lived, but unplayable.
