Liverpool’s top former captains
By Ethan Lowe
Alex Raisbeck
Appearances – 341
Games as captain – 267
Goals – 19
This one goes even further back into Liverpool’s history, but I promise we’ll come back to more recent times soon.
Alex Raisbeck made his Liverpool debut on the 3rd of September, 1898 – Over 100 years before I was born. He played for the Reds a total of 9 seasons, earning the captaincy after just two seasons because of his well-respected leadership qualities.
He was one of seven brothers who either became soldiers or footballers, and as a result possessed a commanding attitude that made him a brilliant captain. Arguably the first big superstar player for Liverpool, Raisbeck was a smaller centre-half (178cm) who excelled due to his athleticism and energy.
He bested taller opponents due to these qualities, and was not only the key man in the Liverpool defence but a crucial player in getting his team going forward.
The following quote (at least for me) seems best to describe the playing style associated with Raisbeck. It was written for the club programme following Liverpool’s cup reply against Everton in February, 1905.
“Never has Raisbeck shown more wondrous football. He was here, there and everywhere. Now initiating an attack, now breaking up another, and again chasing Sharp when that lithe young man appeared to be all on his own. He dominated the whole field, and was, without question, the one superlative player. I am never inclined to over elaborate praise, but truly, Alec Raisbeck was a giant among pigmies.”
While I can sadly say I hadn’t heard of Raisbeck before, he’s surely been one of the most interesting discoveries I’ve made while researching these players. A member of the Liverpool hall of fame, Raisbeck seems right at home next to the other captains on this list.
Next: Number 3