What makes a great right-back? Is it speed, power, or strength? What have they won? What is their ability to defend one-on-one, or these days, the ability to control the play?
Taking all of these into account, along with the historical context of their careers, and in no particular order, here is a list we have compiled of the four best right-backs in the history of this great club.
Tommy Smith
A stalwart of the Bill Shankly, and later, the Bob Paisley era at Liverpool.
Smith played for the Reds for 16 years, accumulating 638 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.
The right-back was born and raised in Liverpool, just a stone’s throw away from Anfield, and grew up supporting the Reds.
Smith played in a variety of other positions too in his career, at centre-back, inside-left, and striker.
He was known primarily for his defensive solidity, but also scored a fair few goals in his time.
Smith scored the winning goal in the 1977 European Cup final with a glancing header to secure Liverpool’s first-ever ascension to the peak of the European summit.
He died in 2019, on Merseyside, aged 74.
Phil Neal
Right-back Neal joined Liverpool in 1974, and was a regular in the team until his departure in 1985.
Signed for Liverpool from Northampton Town, Neal was Bob Paisley’s first signing as manager.
Neal made his Liverpool debut in a 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
He made 417 consecutive appearances for Liverpool between October 1976 and September 1983, a Liverpool record.
Neal was known for his technical ability, and his penalty-taking prowess was really important during a period of immense success.
He rounded off his playing career with four years at Bolton Wanderers before going on to manage the Trotters, and later Coventry City, Cardiff City, and Manchester City as a caretaker.
Steve Nicol
Born in Scotland, Nicol joined Liverpool in 1981, but had to wait awhile for a regular place in the side.
He eventually replaced Phil Neal in Joe Fagan’s team from the 1983/84 season onwards.
Nicol made 468 appearances in all competitions, before departing for Notts County in 1994.
A good all-around player, Nicol also featured on the wing, on the left, and in the centre of defence during his career.
He missed his spot-kick as Liverpool won the European Cup for the fourth time in 1984.
The Scotsman later featured for Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster Rovers, and Boston Bulldogs.
Post-playing, Neal has made a career in the States, managing Boston Bulldogs and the New England Revolution, he is now a pundit on ESPN.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
A slightly divisive figure of late, Trent Alexander-Arnold has had an incredible career at Liverpool thus far.
Alexander-Arnold has made the number 66 shirt iconic, and helped to repurpose the right-back position with his qualities on-the-ball.
He has made 329 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, earning 83 assists.
Alexander-Arnold burst onto the scene with a stunning free-kick goal in a Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim in 2017.
He was a key part of the Liverpool team that were Champions of England, Europe and the world simultaneously in 2020.
Alexander-Arnold has often drifted into midfield in recent years, in order to commandeer the ball more frequently.
He is allegedly being courted by Real Madrid, with his Liverpool contract expiring in the summer of 2025.