Compiling this list, as any fan could imagine, was a struggle.
During the final edit, a Daniel Sturridge at no.20 and a Daniel Sturridge at no.23 meant painstakingly crawling through the archives to discover which player had been accidentally replaced by the Sturridge clone. It turned out that Patrick Berger nearly missed out, but we spotted the Czech flyer was absent and stuck him back in. His 35 Liverpool goals more than warranted a place.
Debating which of cult-status, longevity, goal tallies, trophies, commitment or talent should be weighted most heavily in the final decision was a bigger problem. In the end, all of the above played their part.
So when seeing that Lucas is ranked higher than Javier Mascherano, it’s taking all of these factors into account that needs considering. The Argentine is the better footballer, but Lucas, a winner of the Liverpool Player of the Season award, has contributed more to the club overall, and can be marked as the ‘greater’ red.
So here’s the Top 50 in all its glory. Players unlucky to miss out include Dominic Matteo, Stig Inge Bjornebye, Phil Babb and Vladimir Smicer.
If you think we’ve messed up, or that a player has been harshly or kindly done by, let us know. Just keep double Daniel Sturridge-gate in mind before laying into us too heavily…
50) Titi Camara (1999-2000)
The Guinea-born striker became a firm fan favourite at Anfield, despite only remaining with the club for an 18 month spell. He will be best remembered for scoring the winner against West Ham, just hours after the death of his farther, and the emotional reaction to his goal. He also found the net against Arsenal in a 1-0 win at Highbury.
49) Fabio Aurelio (2006-2012)
Aurelio would be far more highly regarded had injuries not decimated his potentially brilliant career. They affected him at Valencia, affected him here and caused an early retirement back in his native Brazil, too. But for a full-back, Aurelio was technically exceptional and will be best remembered for his free-kick beauty in the 4-1 pummelling of Manchester United during the 2008-09 title charge.
48) Djibril Cisse (2004-2007)
Had it not been for a horror leg injury sustained against Blackburn, Cisse would have scored plenty more than the 24 goals he managed in his two campaigns with us under Rafa Benitez. However, he did bag his penalty in the Champions League final and scored in the FA Cup final a year later as well. His 13 Premier League goals didn’t do his talent justice.
47) Neil Ruddock (1993-1998)
The Razor, as he was affectionately known, made over 100 league appearances for us in the top flight. Sadly, a number of incidents both on and off the field – perhaps most memorably with Eric Cantona, Peter Beardsley and Andrew Cole – blighted what might have been an extremely promising career. Still, there were plenty of highlights for him during his time on Merseyside, including a brace against Leeds in a 5-0 win.
46) Mark Wright (1991-1998)
A former Liverpool captain, Wright was a 45-cap England international upon retirement, and one of the most composed domestic centre-halves of his generation despite a lack of furore or folklore surrounding him. Wright carried the ball out from defence with aplomb, and beat off competition from the likes of John Scales and Phil Babb to remain a regular in our defence well into his thirties. In fact, in 1996-97, he was voted Player of the Season, but injuries caught up with him and in 1998 he retired.
45) Jason McAteer (1995-1999)
An automatic starter under Roy Evans, McAteer, comfortable at right wing-back or central midfield, sacrificed himself for the team week in week out. The Irishman had a telling cross and very good work-rate, but was not the brightest spark, legend has it. Once, when he locked himself out his Porsche, the police told him to get a coat-hanger from his house to pick the lock. He came back with a wooden one!
44) Alvaro Arbeloa (2007-2009)
A tremendously underrated right-back, as proven by the fact he went on to win La Liga and the Champions League with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Arbeloa’s stint on Merseyside matched with one of our best top flight seasons – the 2008-09 title charge – and his exit, along with Xabi Alonso’s, saw us decline. Arguably, it eventually led to Rafa Benitez’s dismissal as well.
43) Momo Sissoko (2005-2008)
Had Sissoko not picked up a career ruining eye injury, he really could have been ‘The next Patrick Vieira’, as was so often mooted. The barnstorming Malian had the legendary Arsenal skipper’s physicality and rangy legs, and his breathless energy in the middle.
42) Craig Bellamy (2006-2007 & 2011-2012)
The feisty Welshman scored nine goals each in two separate seasons with us, but is perhaps best known for his golf club celebration after scoring at the Nou Camp. Bellamy never left anything on the pitch, and was infamous for his aggression and attitude, along with his never-ending verbal assault on match officials.
41) Milan Baros (2002-2005)
Many Liverpool fans thought the Czech striker was going to develop into something special when he finished Euro 2004 with the Golden Boot, but sadly, he never reached his potential and left the club a year later. He bagged 27 in total, but most importantly, left with a League Cup and Champions League medal – starting the European Cup final in Istanbul.
40) Glen Johnson (2009-2015)
A loyal servant, if nothing else, who made more than 150 league appearances during his time with us. He remained a regular for the vast majority of his six years with us and played 29 times during the 2013-14 campaign, which we ended in second place. His final goal for us, a winner against Stoke, was also a show of his continued commitment – as he stuck his head in amongst a tangle of defender’s legs to find the net. Probably overpriced at £18m and never defensively trustworthy, Johnson was replaced by Nathaniel Clyne this summer.
39) Raheem Sterling (2012-2015)
Sterling will never be spoken of in a good light by Liverpool fans, but it’s important to remember that we acquired him for a minimal price as a 15-year-old, and five years later, sold him for £49m. This represents some of the best business in our history, despite the bitterness that surrounded his exit. Sterling was best at the tip of a midfield diamond in 2013-14, when Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge wreaked havoc ahead of him.
38) David James (1992-1999)
A long-serving, talented but ultimately flawed goalkeeper, James’ Liverpool tenure was dogged by errors, which clouded his occasionally superb, athletic performances. Only ten Liverpool players made more Premier League appearances than the giant stopper, who actually peaked with Manchester City and Portsmouth a long time after we replaced him.
37) Paul Ince (1997-1999)
The Guv’nor, a nickname Ince apparently forged for himself, skippered us between 1997 and 1999, and was an ever-present in the side during the period, notching an impressive 17 goals from a primarily defensive midfield role. He fell out with Gerard Houllier though and was shipped out of the club, letting himself down with the bitter comments he made about the humble Frenchman.
36) Peter Crouch (2005-2008)
Crouch famously took 1,229 minutes to score his first Liverpool goal, but when he bagged the first, they came at a reasonable rate. The phrase ‘good feet for a big man’ was practically invented for the beanpole forward, who is never mentioned without his height (6 ft. 7′) being uttered in the same breath. 42 goals in total for the England striker, including a memorable Arsenal hat-trick and a couple of bicycle kicks to boot.
35) Maxi Rodriguez (2010-2012)
Rodriguez’s tenure was short and sweet. In the 2010-11 season he scored a flurry of seven goals in three matches under Kenny Dalglish, who knew just how to get the best of the Argentine – famous for one of the World Cup’s great goals. 17 goals and the fact he’s still playing now proves he was probably let go too soon.
34) Rob Jones (1991-1999)
Jones never scored a goal for Liverpool in 243 appearances, but was actually one of most exciting full-backs in modern memory – consistently combing down the right flank and whipping in crosses for Fowler, Rush, Collymore and co. His eight England caps and inclusion in the 1994-95 Premier League Team of the Season proves that during the mid-nineties he was one of the best full-backs around.
33) Yossi Benayoun (2007-2010)
The Israeli playmaker arrived for £5m in the same summer as Fernando Torres, and played an important role during his three-year stay, bagging a winner at the Bernabeu for good measure. 29 goals for Benayoun included two hat-tricks against Havant & Waterlooville and Besiktas – the latter of which helped us to an 8-0 Champions League win – still a competition record.
32) Stan Collymore (1995-1997)
Collymore cost a British record £8.5m in 1995, but unfortunately his undeniable talent was matched by inconsistency and off the field problems, which convinced us to eventually cut our losses and sell Collymore to Villa after two seasons. His 35 goals in 81 games is respectable though, and he’ll forever be remembered for his winner in the legendary 4-3 win over Newcastle at Anfield.
31) Jerzy Dudek (2001-2007)
Dudek’s six-year stint on Merseyside can be summarised by his performance on the most brilliant night in the club’s history. A jaw-dropping point-blank save late in injury-time from Andriy Shevchenko set the tone for his performance in the shoot-out, where he saved from the same forward to secure us Champions League glory in 2005. Dudek was replaced that summer by Pepe Reina, having originally arrived alongside Chris Kirkland to compete for the no.1 jersey.
30) Stephane Henchoz (1999-2005)
Sami Hyypia’s original centre-back partner, Henchoz kept Jamie Carragher out of his natural role around the turn of the century, meaning the legendary Scouser had to make do with a full-back role at first. Henchoz wasn’t as dominating or composed as Hyypia, but as a pairing, they were exceptional – and Henchoz’s medal collection will prove that. He got six, in total, one for each season he was at the club.
29) Emile Heskey (2000-2004)
Heskey was signed as the perfect foil for Michael Owen, and the ‘big man/little man’ combo worked effectively for both Liverpool and England. The likeable striker found the back of the net 60 times in total, but hit his peak in 2000-01 – where he won five trophies – bagging 22 goals in total. his pace and power was frightening, and although his finishing was erratic, his hold-up play significantly helped his team-mates. His lack of goals at international level hides how good a player Heskey was at his best.
28) Martin Skrtel (2008-Present)
Powerful, steely and determined, Skrtel deserves enormous credit for resurrecting a Liverpool career which looked over when Brendan Rodgers first joined the club. The Slovakian couldn’t adapt to his passing style at first, but three years later – he’s an automatic starter. Skrtel’s outlasted Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger at Anfield, as well as a host of other central defenders during his seven-year stay. In 2013-14, no other defender in Europe scored as many goals as his seven.
27) Steve Finnan (2003-2008)
While Jones was our most exciting right-back of the Premier League era, Finnan was our most dependable. The Irishman racked up 145 appearances under Rafa Benitez, and very rarely put in a sub-par performance. He knew his limitations technically and offensively, but this meant he was defensively uncompromised. A starter in the Champions League finals of 2005 and 2007, Finnan comically claimed his subbing off was the reason for our 2005 victory. “I always say I changed the game that night,” Finnan told the ECHO.
“If I hadn’t got injured, we wouldn’t have won the European Cup. That injury I got was the best thing that ever happened to Liverpool!”
26) Javier Mascherano (2007-2010)
A crying shame that the Argentine warrior left us when he did. Mascherano formed part of the ‘best midfield in the world,’ as christened by the Kop – and his defensive work and swashbuckling style perfectly complemented Xabi Alonso next to him and Steven Gerrard just ahead. Now, he’s winning trebles with Barcelona. Had he stayed, he could easily be in this list’s top 10 based on his immense ability.
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.
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.
15) John Barnes (1987-1997)
The Premier League era saw a different John Barnes, one without the devastating pace of the 1980s. If we were including his ‘first division’ contributions, Barnes would undeniably be in the Top 10, and probably towards the top of that as well. Graeme Souness and then Roy Evans adapted the Jamaican born superstar into a controlling central midfielder from 1992 onwards – and given licence to get forward and create, Barnes scored 27 of his 108 Liverpool goals in this era. Barnes was awarded the captaincy in 1996, but his strong form couldn’t turn Evans’ swashbuckling outfit into champions – and the legendary winger was released to join Newcastle on a free.
14) Dirk Kuyt (2006-2012)
Arguably no other Liverpool player (bar perhaps the man you’ll see at no.1 in this list) has given as much sheer effort and determination as the Dutchman. Kuyt arrived as a striker but was converted into a marauding winger as his goals didn’t come as easily in England as they had in Holland. Still, he notched 51 in the Premier League – only bettered by five Liverpool players. He also bagged in the 2007 Champions League final, a competition run that doesn’t get nearly enough coverage. It was too late though, with the side falling to a 2-1 defeat, despite largely controlling the game.
13) John Arne Riise (2001-2008)
If Riise had only ever come off the bench to take free-kicks with his thunderous left foot we’d still be inclined to include him in this list, but his marquee moments hide the fact he was an exceptional all-round full-back in the early noughties. The Norwegian found the back of the net 31 times in total during a seven year career, which for a defender, is simply exceptional. He won a League Cup in 2003, the Champions League in 2005 and an FA Cup in 2006 – but his most memorable moment came versus Man United – when he rifled a free-kick into the top corner of Fabien Barthez’s net. You can still hear Martin Tyler screaming his name.
12) Ian Rush (1988-1996 – second spell)
Liverpool’s greatest ever striker was very much in the twilight years of his career by the time we got up to the Premier League era. Nonetheless, he still found the net on an impressive 45 occasions in the top flight, a total that only six players have since surpassed. During this period he was an important player for the Reds both on and off the pitch, as he helped the likes of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen, who made his debut the year after Rush left, progress through the ranks. He was also our top scorer in both 1993 and 1994 – netting 14 in the league on both occasions – before eventually departing for Leeds in 1996.
11) Dietmar Hamann (1999-2006)
Steven Gerrard carried us to Champions League final glory in 2005, but Hamann’s introduction enabled him to. The German midfielder came on and secured the middle of the park, stopping the supply line to Kaka – who was running the game. It’s fair to say that we wouldn’t have come from three goals down had Hamann not been introduced at the 45. While this was Hamann’s most important performance, he’d been key for us ever since arriving from Newcastle in 1999 to replace Paul Ince. The rangy German loved the battle, but he could shoot too, with a volley against Portsmouth in 2003-04 winning goal of the season. 283 appearances and six major trophies later, Hamann signed for Bolton Wanderers.
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.
5) Luis Suarez (2011-2014)
During Luis Suarez’s three and a half years on Merseyside, the Uruguayan was banned for racially abusing Patrice Evra, bit Branislav Ivanovic and actively tried to leave the club – even speaking up a move to Arsenal at one point – but Liverpool fans hold no grudges because of what Suarez gave to us on the pitch. In terms of uncompromised genius, Suarez is our best ever Premier League star. His individual performances in the 2013-14 season represent the greatest single season ever by a Premier League player. He scored 31 goals and registered 14 assists despite being banned for the first five matches. Only Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08 comes close. Suarez was relentless in his pressing and outrageous with his finishing. He’s also probably the best exponent of the nutmeg the game has ever seen. Last summer, he got his move to Barcelona, and inspired them to a treble. He’s one of the best three players on the planet, and we were lucky to watch him at close quarters.
4) Sami Hyypia (1999-2009)
Perhaps our biggest transfer bargain of the Premier League era. “When I was told how little money Liverpool had spent on Sami, I nearly fell off my chair!” Ron Yeats, then chief-scout, admitted having recommended the defender to the club. The giant Finn was a complete unknown when he signed for £2.5m in 1999, but went on to establish himself as one of Europe’s best and most respected centre-backs. 464 games and 35 goals prove his fantastic ability to get up from the back and score, usually thanks to a towering header, although his Champions League volley versus Juventus proves he could play a bit too. Hyypia predominantly captained the side during our five-trophy calendar year in 2001, due to Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler’s injuries – and he went on to have the skipper’s armband on a permanent basis before handing it to Gerrard. A truly loyal Anfield servant and the most talented defender we’ve had in the Premier League era.
3) Jamie Carragher (1996-2013)
Partly due to his longevity, loyalty and the fact he’s a Scouser, Carragher pips his former centre-back partner Sami Hyypia to 3rd spot. But our former no.23 was so much more than just a passionate defender. He could really play, too, and this isn’t recognised nearly enough by opposition supporters who prefer the cliche. Carragher was positionally superb, read the game better than anybody else and marshalled his backline with aplomb. (In truth, his fellow defenders had little choice but to listen to his instructions!) Only Ian Callaghan (857) played more games for us than Carragher – who made 737 appearances and won ten trophies during his 17 year stint. Winning and losing has never mattered so much for a Liverpool player than Carra, who started off as a utility defender before establishing himself as one of the best centre-backs in Europe under Rafa Benitez. Heroic in the Champions League final of 2005, the competition which defines the careers of many players in this Top 50, many believe Carra will eventually return to the only club he ever played for as a manager one day.
2) Robbie Fowler (1993-2001 & 2006-2007)
The most natural finisher of the Premier League era scored over 30 goals in all competitions for three consecutive seasons between 1994 and 1997. Fowler, or ‘God’, as he’s known on the Kop, bagged 183 goals during two spells with the club. The first of which ended when Gerard Houllier sold him to Leeds United, but the second began when Rafa Benitez romantically brought him back in 2006. His latter stint bore 12 goals, but it was his fantastic efforts in the mid-1990s that see him now regarded as one of our greatest ever players. At his peak, Fowler was rapid, and his exceptional movement was only bettered by his instinctive finishing. His four-minute hat-trick v Arsenal in 1994 is the fastest in our history, and was only bettered in the top flight last term. Fowler now works with the academy.
1) Steven Gerrard (1998-2015)
The contribution of the other 49 players on this list combined does not account to what Steven Gerrard gave to Liverpool. His countless iconic moments, relentless loyalty, legendary leadership and unrivalled ability sets him miles apart from some of his brilliant team-mates. Gerrard broke through in 1998, was playing for England by 2000 and captaining Liverpool by 2003. But it was a year later in the 2004-05 season that he started to peak – bagging the iconic Olympiakos goal to keep us in the Champions League group stages, before leading us to the final and dragging us back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan. A season later, he got an FA Cup named after him, scoring twice (including an injury-time 40-yard screamer) to help us draw the match and win on penalties versus West Ham. Gerrard’s 17-year stint sadly never saw him pick up the Premier League trophy, although he came closest in 2013-14 – winning a spot in the Team of the Year – which he did on a record seven other occasions. Gerrard was also voted into the World Team of the Year on three occasions, and left Liverpool this summer having collected ten trophies as a red. Anfield will never be the same place without him.
