Liverpool FC is one of the biggest and most successful teams in the history of Soccer, as a club, they have been home to some of the greatest talents the world has ever seen. Legends of Liverpool become not just legends for their team, but often for a whole country or the world.
Today we will be in the middle of the field whilst taking a look at the 7 Best Liverpool Midfielders of All Time. Who do you think will make it onto our list?
7. Jordan Henderson
Just a few seasons ago, it seemed unthinkable to even contemplate including one of the current batch of reds on a list such as this. Fast forward to the present day though and Jurgen Klopp has transformed his team into world beaters, with Jordan Henderson being at the core of it all.
Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 following a successful youth career with Sunderland (his local team). It took some time for the Englishman to become the player he is today, with some critics claiming that he was not worthy of captaining such a great club.
What makes Henderson stand out is not insane goals or dynamic runs but his calmness on the ball and ability to pick a pass from anywhere on the field. Henderson represents the ultimate central midfield in the sense that he can steady the ship and control the midfield by himself on occasion.
These attributes have made Henderson indispensable to both his club and country.
6. Steve McManaman
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 6th place on our list, we have one of the most versatile attacking players to have ever featured for Liverpool. Steve McManaman was an excellent ‘on the ball’ player and had the ability to beat a man at ease with his pace and control.
The Englishman preferred to play as a central attacking midfielder, however, also played as a winger and a central midfielder during his time with Liverpool. Steve was a product of the team’s youth academy and broke through to the first team in 1990. McManaman went on to play over 250 games for the reds and scored 46 goals during a nine-year spell.
In 1999, McManaman would make the move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and quickly became a success in the country. He would go on to win multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles with ‘Los Blancos’ after winning two domestic cups with Liverpool.
McManaman may not be the most successful player in terms of trophies on this list, but he is certainly one of the most technically gifted.
5. Ian Callaghan
Embed from Getty ImagesAs we hit the 5th spot, we have a man that starred under Liverpool’s greatest ever manager, Bill Shankly. Ian Callaghan played for the club between 1959 and 1978, becoming the highest-ever appearance maker for the reds (a record he still holds today).
Callaghan first appeared for Liverpool in the 1959 season, when the team was actually in the Second Division of English Soccer and was looking to return to the top flight. Just two years later the club made its return to the First Division and Callaghan was a central part of this triumph.
Following this, a great period got underway for the reds with them winning a plethora of trophies under Shankly’s leadership. Callaghan played almost every match for Liverpool during this time before eventually leaving the club in favor of Swansea City, where he is also adored.
During his 19-year Liverpool career, Callaghan notched 49 goals and was the core of one of the greatest sides that English Soccer has ever seen. Perhaps he should be higher on our list?
4. John Barnes
Embed from Getty ImagesMoving back towards the attacking style midfielder, dynamic winger John Barnes takes the 4th spot on our list. The Jamaican-born player began his career with Watford FC in the 1980s and is also a legend for the hornets having spent six years with the club before making the move to Merseyside in 1987.
In the latter years of the First Division, Barnes became one of the League’s most dangerous players. His stature resembles an America Football player rather than a Soccer winger and as such he held both power and pace in bucket loads.
Barnes would make over 300 appearances for Liverpool and scored 84 times during a ten-year stay at Anfield. He would also play for Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic before retiring in 1999 and briefly going into management, though this was not a successful switch.
Some fans may also remember Barnes for performing a now legendary rap on New Order’s famous track, World In Motion.
3. Xabi Alonso
Embed from Getty ImagesBack to the center of the midfield as we reach the podium, famous Spaniard Xabi Alonso is in 3rd place. The holding midfielder spent five years with the reds after joining from Spanish club Real Sociedad in 2004.
Alonso formed a now famous partnership with English player Steven Gerrard and became a key component of the club’s legendary UEFA Champions League winning side in 2005. Alonso was the anchor of the Liverpool midfield and had an immense range of passing and the ability to make some crunching tackles.
During his relatively short time on Merseyside Alonso made nearly 150 appearances for the club and registered 15 goals. This may not sound as impressive as some others on this list but trust me when I say that Alonso was a maestro that was up there with the best.
In 2009 Alonso would return to Spain with a transfer to Real Madrid and went on to become a central cog in their midfield that was designed to combat the talent of Barcelona’s Spanish core of Xavi and Iniesta.
2. Graeme Souness
Embed from Getty ImagesThe man in 2nd place on our list may well be more known for his time as a pundit by many young fans of the game, but before this career switch, he was one of the greatest Liverpool midfielders of all time.
The Scotsman would replace long-term hero Ian Callaghan in the side of the late 1970s and would eventually become the captain of the team.
Souness played 247 times for the reds and scored 38 goals for the club. Alongside other stars Kenny Daglish and Alan Hansen, Souness formed part of arguably the best Liverpool team of All Time.
Souness has always been known for speaking his mind and leaving nothing to the imagination when it comes to his opinions, which led him to become a manager following his retirement in 1991. He would even go on to take charge at Anfield for three years between 1991-1994.
After leaving management in 2006, Souness has since become an outspoken pundit working with UK Sports broadcaster, Sky Sports.
1. Steven Gerrard
Sometimes these kinds of lists can be predictable and today that truly is the case, but who else could take the number one spot? The great English star and legendary club captain Steven Gerrard is the best Liverpool midfielder of all time (as well as their best player full stop).
Gerrard spent 17 years as a loyal servant to his beloved club and made over 500 appearances, scoring 120 goals in the process. Some of these goals are the stuff of legend, with Gerrard being known for his ability to strike a ball from far out of the 18-Yard box.
Alongside Xabi Alonso, Gerrard formed part of the central midfield partnership that led the club to the UEFA Champions League title in 2005 alongside several other triumphs during his stellar career at Anfield. The Premier League title always eluded Gerrard though, with him retiring before it eventually came back to Merseyside.
Since ending his playing career, Gerrard has enjoyed a successful start to his management career. He has already led Rangers to the Scottish title and is now in charge at Aston Villa. Surely one day Liverpool’s best midfielder will take the reins at Anfield?
