Liverpool FC, one of the most storied football institutions in world football, has been home to numerous legendary figures since its inception in 1892. They are one of the biggest clubs in the history of English football, with 20 domestic titles, seven Champions League triumphs and countless other cup successes to show for their decades of unparalleled success.
From the charismatic ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish to the inspirational Steven Gerrard, from the stunning goal-scoring exploits of Ian Rush to the modern-day heroes like Mohamed Salah, we have decided to come up with a list of the 10 best Liverpool players ever, and to do so, we’ve taken a very specific set of criteria into account, which are as follows:
- Impact
- Longevity
- Statistics
- Trophies
#10 Graeme Souness
A dynamic, tenacious midfielder, Greame Souness was part of the regeneration of Bill Shankly’s inaugural European Cup-winning side, who played a vital role in Liverpool’s dominance in the late 70s and early 80s. Known for his robust tackles and aggressive approach, Souness was also an outstanding passer, a nimble dribbler and a fantastic striker of the ball who netted 55 times in 359 games.
During his six years at Anfield, Souness won five league titles and three European Cups, underlining his importance to one of the most successful sides in Liverpool’s history.
#9 Ian Rush
Ian Rush is Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer. Rush’s combination of pace, intelligence, and predatory instincts made him a constant threat to defenders. During his two spells at the club, Rush scored an impressive 346 goals, helping Liverpool secure numerous domestic and European honours.
The Welshman served the club throughout the 1980s and for much of the 1990s – albeit sandwiching a brief and ill-fated stint at Juventus – and set the tone with his quality in leading the line. Rush made finishing look easy, breaking the 30-goal mark five times in his first six full seasons with Liverpool – including twice scoring 40 or more.
Although his powers certainly faded in the twilight of his career in the Premier League era, Rush still played a valuable role for the club.
#8 Ronnie Whelan
An intelligent midfielder with excellent passing and shooting skills, Ronnie Whelan was a key component of Liverpool’s dominant sides in the 80s. His versatility allowed him to operate in various midfield roles, and his ability to score from long-range was a significant asset for the team.
Ronnie Whelan was the epitome of consistency and reliability, with his knack for scoring crucial goals in big games setting him apart. During his time at Anfield, Whelan won numerous domestic and European honours, underlining his importance to one of the most successful sides in Liverpool’s history.
#7 Roger Hunt
A product of Liverpool’s youth system, Roger Hunt played a crucial role in transforming Liverpool from a second division side to one of the most dominant forces in English football. Part of the England squad that won the 1966 World Cup, Hunt was a deadly finisher who remains second in Liverpool’s all-time goalscorers list, with 285 in just 492 appearances, helping the club win their first ever FA Cup and multiple league titles.
Known for his excellent positional sense and clinical finishing, Hunt is still widely regarded as one of the finest strikers in Liverpool’s history.
#6 John Barnes
John Barnes was a truly exceptional winger, combining electrifying pace with sublime skill and creativity. For a generation of football fans, John Barnes was their inspiration, a superb winger who swapped Watford for Liverpool in 1987 and became an icon.
On the ball, Barnes was truly untouchable, his dribbling ability unparalleled, and as one of the first high-profile black players in the English top-flight he rose above the abuse that sadly rained from the stands.
Barnes was an integral part of the Liverpool side that won two league titles and two FA Cups during the late 80s and early 90s. Barnes’s performances on the pitch spoke volumes, making him one of the greatest players to have ever donned the Liverpool shirt.
#5 Billy Liddell
Billy Liddell was a beacon of light for Liverpool during one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. Known for his explosive speed, exceptional dribbling skills, and powerful shots, Liddell carried the team through the post-war years.
Despite playing in a struggling side, Liddell’s performances were of such high standard that the club was often referred to as “Liddellpool” during this period. His loyalty and dedication to the club, despite interest from other teams, is still revered by Liverpool fans, making him one of the club’s greatest ever players.
#4 Kevin Keegan
Kevin Keegan was an energetic, charismatic forward who was instrumental in establishing Liverpool’s dominance in the 70s. Keegan was known for his relentless running, superb technical ability, and eye for goal, traits that endeared him to the Anfield faithful.
Keegan’s performances helped Liverpool secure three league titles and their first-ever European Cup, ensuring his place on the table of Liverpool greats. Keegan netted exactly 100 times during his spell with the Reds, becoming an icon in the No. 7 shirt before making the bold step to leave England for Hamburg, where he twice won the Ballon d’Or.
#3 Mohamed Salah
Despite still playing for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah is undeniably one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Having seen his hopes of joining Liverpool back in 2014 dashed in favour of a disastrous move to Chelsea, the Egyptian harnessed that disappointment and tore through Serie A before returning to Anfield in 2017.
His combination of pace, skill, and clinical finishing has seen him break numerous records, including scoring the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, until that record was broken by Erling Haaland.
Salah has never scored fewer than 23 goals in a single season for the Reds, twice netting more than 30 and, in his incredible maiden campaign on Merseyside, scoring 44 times in 52 games. If he is given the opportunity with an extended stay, Salah could realistically end his career at the top of this list.
#2 Steven Gerrard
Wdely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, Steven Gerrard is known for his leadership, passion, and exceptional ability. The Scouser carried the team on his back through many challenging periods, with his ability to score spectacular goals, his tireless running, and his excellent passing range made him a complete midfielder.
He is still the only player to have scored in a League Cup final, FA Cup final, UEFA Cup final and Champions League final. Perhaps, had Gerrard been able to have completed his trophy set with a league title, he’d be giving the number one spot in this list an even bigger challenge.
#1 Kenny Dalglish
Known as “King Kenny” among the Anfield faithful, Kenny Dalglish was a genius on the pitch and is one of the most respected figures in Liverpool’s history. Brought in to replace the outgoing King Kevin (Keegan), Dalglish ended his first season at Anfield by scoring the winning goal in the 1978 European Cup final – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Six league titles in the next eight seasons followed, along with another two European Cups, as Dalglish led Liverpool to trophy domination in England and Europe. The latter of those titles was achieved as a 35-year-old player-manager, scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge and leading the Reds to a league and FA Cup double. His contributions as a player and manager make him a true icon of the club.
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