Top 10 greatest players of all time: Liverpool FC

Liverpool Football Club, one of the most storied institutions in the history of the sport, has been home to numerous legendary figures since its inception in 1892. It is one of the biggest clubs in the history of English football with 20 domestic titles, seven European Cups, and countless other cup successes to showcase its 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, here we have come up with a list of the ten best Liverpool players ever, and to do so, we’ve taken a very specific set of criteria into account:

• Impact
• Longevity
• Statistics
• Trophies

So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.

#10 Graeme Souness

A dynamic, tenacious midfielder, Graeme Souness was part of the regeneration of Bill Shankly’s inaugural European Cup-winning side and 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 for the Reds 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 history.

#9 Ian Rush

Ian Rush is Liverpool’s all-time leading goalscorer. His combination of pace, intelligence, and predatory instincts made him a constant threat to defenders. Across 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 ’80s and much of the ’90s—sandwiching a brief and ill-fated stint at Juventus in between—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, twice scoring 40+ goals in a season.

Although his powers certainly faded in the twilight of his career during the nascent Premier League years, 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 far out was a significant asset for the Reds.

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, he won numerous domestic and European honours, underlining his importance to some of the most successful Liverpool sides.

#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 goals in 492 appearances, which helped the Merseysiders 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, Barnes was the 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 topflight 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 FA Cups each during the late ’80s and early ’90s. His performances on the pitch spoke volumes, making him one of the greatest players to have ever donned the Liverpool shirt.

Also read: Top 10 greatest players of all time: FC Barcelona

#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-World War 2 years.

Despite playing in a struggling side, Liddell’s performances were of such high standard that the team were often referred to as “Liddellpool” during this period. His loyalty and dedication to the club, despite interest from other teams, is still revered by the Liverpool faithful, making him one of the club’s greatest-ever players.

#4 Kevin Keegan

Kevin Keegan back in the day was an energetic, charismatic forward who was instrumental in establishing Liverpool’s dominance in the ’70s. He was known for his relentless running, 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. The Englishman 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 already one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Having seen his hopes of joining Liverpool back in 2014 dashed in favour of what would turn out to be a disastrous move to Chelsea, the Egyptian harnessed that disappointment and tore through the Serie A before moving to Anfield in 2017.

Salah’s mix 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, having scored 44 times in 52 games in his incredible maiden campaign on Merseyside.

If he is given the opportunity to extend his stay, Salah could realistically end his career at the top of this list.

#2 Steven Gerrard

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation and 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 making him a complete midfielder.

Gerrard is still the only player to have scored in a League Cup final, an FA Cup final, a UEFA Cup final, and a UEFA Champions League final. Had he been able to add a league title to his trophy set, he’d be giving the #1 spot holder in this list an even bigger challenge.

#1 Kenny Dalglish

Known as “King Kenny” among the Anfield faithful, Sir 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; 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 both as a player and manager make him a true icon of the club.