This is the best ever Liverpool XI.
As a lifelong Liverpool fan, I’ve grown up with the knowledge that we’ve had some incredible players put on the red jersey and give it their all. As I’m only 24 years old, I’ve not seen my beloved Reds win a League title nor have I seen the level of success that the club enjoyed during the 70’s and 80’s.
The sparse triumphs during my lifetime hasn’t in anyway effected my love for Liverpool, and I’m proud to say that the highlight of my week is sitting down and watching 90 minutes of pure football and passion. I’ve been lucky enough to see some great talent, with the likes of Gerrard, Torres and Suarez (just to name a few) making their names at the club under my grateful gaze.
When reflecting on the career of Steven Gerrard I’m hit with the obvious fact that he is one of, if not THE greatest player in Liverpool’s history. The powering midfielder was sadly too often surrounded by less than top notch players, which begs the question; how successful would a Liverpool team be that comprised solely of the greatest players to ever wear the shirt?
That gave me a burning desire to select the all time Liverpool starting 11, a dream team of sorts. After making the list I was amazed at the sheer quality on show, and I spent the next half hour day dreaming of the dominance this hypothetical team would inflict on the world of football.
I’m guilty of selecting an overly attacking team, but I couldn’t resist when fantasizing about the goals that would come from such a side. I’ve gone with a 3-4-3 formation, which is asking a lot of the defense but when you see the backline I’m sure you’ll agree that they’re more than capable. (Not to mention they can concede as much as they want because the players in front of them will be banging home a record number of goals in each game)
Take this Bayern Munich team as an example of the formation I’ve decided to go with!
Whether or not you agree with my dream team remains to be seen, but you can’t argue that my ultimate Liverpool 11 is one hell of a side!
Next: Constant Clean Sheets
GK- Ray Clemence
Liverpool fans are currently debating whether or not Simon Mignolet is the right man to have between the posts, something I myself have trouble deciding. It goes without saying that goalkeepers have a difficult task, when any mistake they make more than likely results in conceding a goal.
Every goalkeeper at one time in their career goes through a difficult period, something that even the great Ray Clemence had to endure.
The incredibly agile keeper made over 650 appearances in 14 years for Liverpool, a period that saw the club enjoy tremendous success.
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Though the chants on his debut “Take a shower Clemence” rang out around the stadium, little did the heckling fans realize that they were in the presence of greatness.
Clemence went on to win five league titles and an amazing three European Cups and two UEFA Cups, something I dare say won’t ever be done by a Liverpool keeper again. The Englishman commanded his area and organized the defense like no other! One particular stat caught me off guard; in one season comprising of 42 games, he conceded just 16 goals. AMAZING!
There’s no doubting the impact this man had at Liverpool, and I for one wish that we had the same talent tending goal these days. He would be the perfect keeper for my attacking formation, organizing my 3 man defense and distributing the ball with ease.
Next: If you cut me I bleed Liverpool Red
DC- Phil Thompson
Big Phil epitomizes what it means to be a true Liverpool man. His passion and hunger for everything to do with the club is second to none, even today as a pundit for Sky Sports. His on air personality and opinions about the modern game sometimes leads people to forget what a sheer talent the man was back in his playing days.
Thompson was a huge Liverpool fan growing up and was given a great birthday present at the age of 17, a professional contract with the club he adored. He would go on to play for the club an incredible 477 times, captaining the Reds to European success in 1981.
The 1981 European Cup triumph was just one of three the defender won during his time at Liverpool. He also managed to claim seven League titles and two UEFA Cups. His experience and passion would be vital to my three man defense and his love for the club would echo around the team.
It’s hard not to love a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, I’m a massive fan of this powering defender.
If you don’t believe how much of a Liverpool fan Thompson is, just have a look at his reaction to Liverpool scoring an own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League in 2008. Being a pundit must be a tough job when you’re so invested in the game.
Next: The Most Decorated Englishman In History
DC- Phil Neal
I’m aware that I’m playing Neal slightly out of position as he’s a full back, but I’m sure he would be more than capable of adapting to playing on the right side of central defense. The most decorated English player in history played a massive part in the success of Liverpool during the 70’s and 80’s.
Neal played for Liverpool over 650 times, winning a ridiculous amount of trophies. These triumphs included eight league titles and four, yes FOUR European cups. The club has only won five European cups in it’s history, and Neal managed to lay claim to four of them. (Though he would have been 54 at the time, I’m sure he would have still given Djimi Traore a run for his money in the 2005 Champions League triumph)
The defender was legendary manager Bob Paisley’s first ever signing, a true definition of building from the back. He remained at the club for eleven years before moving on to Bolton Wanderers where he finished out his career. Neal and Thompson would make a great partnership in my dream team, their man marking and tackling skills would make any forward worry.
Next: A Full Throttle Defender
DC- Alan Hansen
Another on air personality that makes you forget how amazing he was during his playing days. Hansen is the final installment in my defense, and I could think of no better man to cover distance and remain consistent in the back. His passing ability was uncanny for a defender, and he often enjoyed a run up the field.
Hansen is said to have had an atrocious bout of nerves before each game, but that did nothing to detract from the impact he had at Liverpool. The Scottish defender won eight League titles and three European Cups during his time at the club, giving my backline some incredible experience.
The charismatic pundit played for Liverpool over 620 times, and is believed to be one of the most stylish defenders in the Club’s history. He was signed from Scottish side Partick Thistle and played for the Reds over an amazing 14 years, finishing his career at the club in 1991.
The backline of Thompson, Neal and Hansen would send a shiver down the spine of any attacker, making my defense a harrowing thought for opposing teams. Those three defenders in addition to Ray Clemence in the goal would go a long way to assuring countless clean sheets.
Next: Captain Fantastic
MC- Steven Gerrard (Captain)
The first player in my dream team that I have actually seen play live, a true joy to behold. Every Liverpool fan has their favorite Steven Gerrard moment, but mine would have to be the last minute equalizing volley from distance against West Ham in the FA Cup final.
Gerrard is widely regarded as one of the best, if not THE best midfielder to ever grace the Premier League. His passing ability is second to none and he time and time again dragged Liverpool back from the depths of despair to claim triumph. Nearly everyone in my dream team would make a great captain, but Gerrard is my choice for the armband because I have no doubt he would be able to lead any group of men, regardless of stature or ego.
Gerrard played 710 times for the club, captaining them to Champions League and FA Cup triumphs. He came heart-breakingly close to winning the Premier League in his second last season at the club, but it wasn’t to be and Liverpool lost out to Manchester City.
Despite never winning a League title, he is remembered as a Liverpool legend and would have no problem martialing my midfield. Stevie-G IS Liverpool FC.
Next: Don't Mess With This Man
MC- Graeme Souness
The perfect midfielder to partner Steven Gerrard through the middle. Souness is a walking contradiction in regards to football; gifted on the ball and a true terror when tackling opponents. His hard hitting tackles is the stuff of legends, and yet he is fondly remembered as a tremendous passer of the ball.
The second Scottish player to make my dream team played during the most successful time in the club’s history. Souness won five league titles and three European cups, an achievment that seems like a far fetched notion for a Liverpool player in the modern game.
Souness went on to manage Liverpool in the early 90’s, his only success being the FA Cup in 1992. Though his managerial career didn’t flourish at the club, he is remembered as a hero among Liverpool fans.
He would play a deeper role in my formation, allowing Gerrard to get forward and do what he does best. Souness’ passing ability would be vital in the center of midfield, dishing out perfect balls all over the pitch. The hard hitting Scott is said to have been a warrior on the pitch, perfect for my team.
Next: Pace, Skill and Style
LM- John Barnes
Barnes was a member of the last Liverpool team to win the League, back in 1990. His style and skill on the pitch is the stuff of legend, and we are yet to find a winger to fill his boots. Barnes’ pace tearing up the wing was frightening for defenders, and his footwork was outstanding.
It was thought Barnes could score from anywhere with either foot, and he provided more than his fair share of assists throughout his Liverpool career. The Jamaican born midfielder played 451 times for the club, winning two League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup.
Barnes’ ball control was second to none, truly a gifted player that gave his Liverpool side another dimension. His goalscoring prowess was revered, and were he playing today he would no doubt be one of the top scoring midfielders in the Premier League
There’s something to be said for an out and out winger that runs at the opposition and forces them to make a decision, this is something that Liverpool have been lacking in years gone by. Barnes is the perfect addition to my midfield, a target for the long range passing of Steven Gerrard.
Next: I Love Him, Because He Loves Liverpool
RM- Kenny Dalglish
Yes, I know he’s a forward but ‘King Kenny’ can play where he wants and would no doubt be a terror for the opposition regardless of his position. Dalglish is synonymous with Liverpool FC, and though I wasn’t lucky enough to see him play in his prime, I never grow tired of watching highlight reels of his glory days.
The third Scottish player to feature in this dream team played 515 times for the club, scoring goals for fun and winning trophies season after season. Kenny won six League titles, three European Cups, one FA Cup and three League cups.
"“Kenny had unbelievable vision and strength as a player. He was really aware of people around him. He had great balance and was a good finisher, courageous too. People often forget that the one quality great players need is courage. Kenny is as brave as a lion. He would take a kick from anyone and come back for more. Kenny is a man I shall always respect.” – Sir Alex Ferguson"
Hi first season at the club set the tone for his career, scoring 31 goals including the winner in the European Cup final. Not too bad for the man people feared wouldn’t be able to handle the pressure of a big club. Dalglish would represent the club for a total of 13 years, he then went on to manage the club to great success.
His name goes hand in hand with Liverpool, such is the impact he had at Anfield. He is a regular sight on Merseyside and still supports the club with a burning passion.
Next: Controversial and Breathtaking
FWD- Luis Suarez
For a time, the most hated man in England. His haters only spurred him on to become one of the most prolific strikers in Liverpool history. He brought the club agonizingly close to their first ever Premier League title, finishing the season as top scorer and joint top scorer in Europe.
His footwork was mesmerizing and it didn’t matter where he was on the pitch, he was always a danger to the opposition. The variety of goals that he scored during his time at Liverpool was amazing, it didn’t matter what foot the defenders put him on to.
I was lucky enough to be in Old Trafford to see him score against Manchester United, and you could see the passion for the game sprawled across his face. There is indeed a dark side to his game, his obsession with victory made him a liability at times, frequently getting suspended for foolishness.
The striker played 133 times, scoring 82 goals. An incredible return for an outstanding player.
Despite his flaws, the Uruguayan is widely regarded as the best striker in world football today. He moved on to Barcelona where he is currently ripping up La Liga alongside Neymar and Messi.
Next: They Say Never Go Back
FWD- Ian Rush
It’s true that they say you should never go back, but were it not for Ian Rush’s return to Liverpool following a spell with Juventus, the club would have missed out on mega goals. There is no doubt that this man would make it in to every Liverpool fan’s dream team, as he’s the all time leading scorer on Merseyside.
Rush played a combined 660 times and scored an incredible 346 goals, a record that won’t be broken in my lifetime. He was leading scorer at the club for 9 different years and picked up the European Golden Boot once. The Welshman won five league titles, two European cups and three FA Cups.
His partnership with Kenny Dalglish is the greatest the club has ever seen, (though Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez was also amazing) and my dream team obviously benefits from having them both in the side. Rush leads the attack and would be an absolute nightmare for any defender, even in the modern game.
Like Dalglish, Rush can be seen at Anfield on a regular basis as he is still a die hard fan of the club. Of all the players I wish I could have seen play in their prime, Rush is by far the top candidate. One particular goal I love to watch on a regular basis is where he scored in the FA Cup final, breaking the camera that was foolishly too close to the net.
Next: The Only Man To Ever Break My Heart
FWD- Fernando Torres
This pick will most likely get me a bit of stick, especially considering I left out the likes of Michael Owen, Kevin Keegan and Robbie Fowler but I couldn’t resist putting the Spaniard up front. The idea of Suarez, Torres and Rush playing up front together is a mouthwatering prospect that has me too excited, especially considering it’s hypothetical.
It’s true that this man stabbed the club in the back and moved to Chelsea, breaking my heart and almost bringing me to tears. However it is also true that we brought in an astonishing amount of money for a player who turned out to be awful at Chelsea. In saying that however, he was truly a sight to behold when he was in his prime at Liverpool.
The lightning quick striker averaged more than a goal every two games, scoring 81 times in just 142 appearances. His link up play with Steven Gerrard was devastating for the opposition, and he could score from anywhere. It’s hard not to think of the end to his Liverpool career, but bitterness aside he was sensational on his day.
My favorite memory of Torres is when Liverpool ran riot in Old Trafford, largely down to Fernando destroying Nemanja Vidic for the entire game. It was truly a delight to see this man in action.