View Full Version : My favourite liverpool players
theliverword
10-9-11, 10:59
I just thought I would write an article on some of the players that have been favourites of mine over the years. There has been so many since I started supporting this great club since about 1982. Everybody has their own favourites and I hope you can relate to some of mine. This is my list of players in no particular order
Kenny Dalglish – Well I think he is most supporters’ favourite, and he is the reason I started supporting Liverpool. He was just an amazing player, I loved the way he shielded the ball from defenders and his vision and passing was just the best. For not being the quickest he certainly made up for it with his brain thinking quicker than anybody else. A great finisher too, where he never seemed to blast a shot, he always placed his shot, usually in spectacular fashion.
Ian Rush – Probably the greatest finisher our club has seen, amazing goal scoring record. Rush and Dalglish formed a lethal partnership in the 80’s. Rush had great speed which took him into goal scoring positions, but his work rate was unbelievable as he complimented Liverpool’s style of play by defending from the front.
Graeme Souness – A great player and captain of the club who had so much ability with an arrogance about him as he strutted about the midfield like a general martialing his troops. A terrific passer of the ball and not frightened to put the boot in if things got tough. Nobody got the better of Souness if things got physical. A true Liverpool great.
Mark Lawrenson – I honestly thought he was the best defender in the world at the time when he played with us. He was such a great defender who read the game so well and was a superb tackler. Lawrenson had tremendous speed which helped him retrieve so many situations. He was also very good at springing an attack and venturing forward. I would put Lawrenson as my favourite defender.
Alan Hansen – A terrific defender and servant to the club eventually captaining the team to glory. Hansen always looked so casual and under control of the situation. A brilliant reader of the game and the best defender I have seen at bringing the ball out from defence, he started so many attacks for Liverpool with his great ability. Another Liverpool legend.
Phil Neal – A great servant who won more trophies than any other player in our history. But I thought he was such an under rated defender and was so good at going forward. Hardly ever missed a game, holds the record for most consecutive games for the Reds, Mr. Consistency.
Bruce Grobbelaar – A great keeper who could also entertain, sometimes ending up with an odd mistake. But loved by the Kop and he could save the unsavable with his amazing agility. The first keeper I noticed that could spring an attack with his quick release from hand or foot. Great memories highlighted by his antics in Rome.
John Barnes- Second only to Kenny as my favourite player of all time, in his prime he was amazing with his speed and control tying defenders in knots before scoring spectacular goals. Created so many chances with his creative play from the wing and also when he played more central. Had to change his game later in his career after injury reduced his speed, he enjoyed a new role in the centre of midfield in which he thrived on spraying passes around and rarely losing possession.
Steve McMahon – I know he played with Everton but he turned out to be a great player for us, I loved his energy and drive he showed in the midfield, he could weigh in with a few goals too. He was an important player for us in the engine room of that great side of the eighties.
John Aldridge – A great striker who lived out his dream by signing for Liverpool. Slotted into the side with ease with the likes of Barnes, Beardsley and Houghton signing around the same time. Aldridge thrived on the attacking style of the team and was a fans’ favourite.
Steve McManaman – A tremendously talented player with great dribbling ability. I loved it when he went on one of his dribbles. His goals always seemed spectacular. Sorry when he left us, but I was still pleased for him with the success he enjoyed at Madrid.
Robbie Fowler – I’m sure he is on every supporters list. One of the greatest finishers ever. He such an ability for scoring goals, he could score goals from anywhere. Should have won many more England caps. It was great to see him return to us for a second spell. He will always be remembered fondly at Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia – A classy defender who was a great servant. A great reader of the game, not the quickest but great positional sense. Sami was also dominant in the air and could weigh in with a few goals.
Gary McAllister – Came to the club in the twilight of his career, and what an impact he made. In my view he was the player of the season in our famous treble winning season of 2001. He was so instrumental and what about that goal against Everton . Wish we had him here longer.
Jamie Carragher – I just love him for his attitude and desire to win. Jamie has been a great servant to the club and long may he continue. He has been so important for us playing in various positions over the years, but always gives 100% and puts his body on the line for the team.
Steven Gerrard – A superb player, all time great. Has carried this team for years. Who can forget his rallying cry after scoring in Istanbul, then the amazing FA Cup final against West Ham which once again dragged us from the clutches of defeat. Gerrard showed his commitment to the club when Chelsea looked to sign him. I only put Kenny and John Barnes ahead of him.
Luis Suarez – I have to put him on my list already, such an impact he has made in such a short space of time. Such ability and his work rate is unbelievable. Suarez is loved already by the Kop. Such an exciting player.
These are the players that have stood out for me over the years. I’m sure I’ll add to this list in the future as the future is looking bright.
YNWA
www.anfieldnews.com
theliverword
12-9-11, 14:23
Thanks you moderators for posting.
you missed FIVE years of Kenny time! still, in '82 the guy could still do it.
no Ronnie or Sammy ? these 2 awesome in their time here.
a good read BTW.
YNWA
you missed FIVE years of Kenny time! still, in '82 the guy could still do it.
no Ronnie or Sammy ? these 2 awesome in their time here.
a good read BTW.
YNWA
and one of my personal heros from childhood, Jan Molby. :eek:
Though I'm glad Aldo got into your list, I find he's often missed out.
Good read though.
WayTooSpooky
12-11-11, 11:56
Good read that, Thanks
pArTlYdAvE-
12-11-11, 12:30
Nice choice of players, I'd have Hughes in ahead of Lawrenson as he was my favourite player:)
chiaditexas
12-11-11, 13:52
Luis Suarez. Stevie G. Daniel Agger. Glen Johnson. Dirk Kuyt. Bellamy...Lucas.
robinredshanks
12-11-11, 14:09
Luis Suarez. Stevie G. Daniel Agger. Glen Johnson. Dirk Kuyt. Bellamy...Lucas.
Hi chiadtexas, welcome to the boards.:) have some welcome rep.
As a matter of interest, does your user name relate to where you are from?
I agree with your list as some of the best in our present squad, but I'm somewhat older, older than the O/P, :eek: (I heard those remarks :D) so I'll give my choices from way back when. In a response to liverwords O/P :)
PaoloMossy
12-11-11, 16:29
Good stuff OP.
robinredshanks
12-11-11, 16:49
I just thought I would write an article on some of the players that have been favourites of mine over the years. There has been so many since I started supporting this great club since about 1982. Everybody has their own favourites and I hope you can relate to some of mine. This is my list of players in no particular order
YNWA
www.anfieldnews.com
Hi theliverword, excuse me for editing your O/P no offence meant, you know I love your threads.:)
Just thought I'd join in and give a older persons point of view. I can't fault any of your choices, tho' I'd probably include Danny Murphy and John Arne Risse, who I loved as great "team players" with the occasional touch of magic.
But let's take a trip into yesteryear, from when I was first "TOLD" I must support Liverpool.
I say "TOLD", because when I was a nipper, my, originally Irish; family moved to London, (Fathers work), but I had many relatives in Liverpool, who were dockers, and shipwrights, connected with Belfasts' Harland and Wolff.
My Uncles came down to our home in Harlesden, N.W.London, which is close to Wembley, to stay for a few nights, 'see the sights of London etc'. prior to the 1965 F.A.Cup final. To cut a long story short, I ended up going to the game, My Irish Uncles from Liverpool, worshiped Bill Shankly and L.F.C.
Now when you are eight years of age, and four big Irish Liverpudlian dockers "tell you" to do something, and are taking you to the biggest game of the season; and you know you will be the envy of all your school pals, well, would you argue with them? Besides, I liked the colour Red.:D
So I guess I became a Liverpool supporter as a bit of a glory hunter, as many youngsters do. But then again, I was living within easy reach of a number of London clubs, and I could easily have chosen to support one of them instead. (still; great for all the away games).
But the atmosphere of that day at Wembley is still held fast in my memory. I will never forget that day, although to be honest, with all the jostling and fervor of the crowd; I don't remember much of the game itself.
The fact it was May 1st, and Bill was such a socialist, as were my parents and all my Irish-Liverpudlian relatives, made it more special. Well. that was a good excuse for all the beer drunk that night.:D
Heros of that era, Well of course, Ian St John and Roger Hunt, the two goal scorers that day.
But we must never forget some of the others (we should never forget any of them really) from that 1st Bill Shankly era. Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats, Peter Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Gerry Byrne and of course the great Tommy Smith. One of the few who remained in the "second" Shankly team.
On my first visit to Anfield, in 1974, standing on the Kop,(still have the program) there were twenty two Legends on the pitch that day. It was a "Top of the table clash" with Leeds Utd.
Now; much as Don Revie and Bill were great rivals, they had great respect for each other, and there was a "Tribute to the Kop" from Don Revie in the match day program, where he praised the Liverpool supporters. and said that he "loved playing at Anfield, but could never remember winning there":D
Just a few from that day
Ray Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, wow, what a team we had back then.
Up front of course were Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, two players who "understood" each other so well on the pitch, that it was said they were "mind readers".
There was even a special tv program made, where they showed all the goals and assists between them. It was "keegan, Toshack, goal", or "Toshack Keegan, Goal". Those two were uncanny together.
So much so, that the BBC had them do a show where one was asked to pick a card, and the other asked to "guess?" what the card was.:D
O' and we won that game 1-0 with a last gasp goal, and the crowd went crazy. Quite an initiation for me on the Kop.
Sorry if the post has got too long, but just thought I'd try and involve some of the older folk here in the thread. :D
It's hard to make a list like this.
I will just add some players like Ronnie Whelan Steve Nicol Peter Beardsley, just all the team of 87/88. :scarf
And there are many more from the 70's i didn't see playing. Stevie Heighway.
Hi theliverword, excuse me for editing your O/P no offence meant, you know I love your threads.:)
Just thought I'd join in and give a older persons point of view. I can't fault any of your choices, tho' I'd probably include Danny Murphy and John Arne Risse, who I loved as great "team players" with the occasional touch of magic.
But let's take a trip into yesteryear, from when I was first "TOLD" I must support Liverpool.
I say "TOLD", because when I was a nipper, my, originally Irish; family moved to London, (Fathers work), but I had many relatives in Liverpool, who were dockers, and shipwrights, connected with Belfasts' Harland and Wolff.
My Uncles came down to our home in Harlesden, N.W.London, which is close to Wembley, to stay for a few nights, 'see the sights of London etc'. prior to the 1965 F.A.Cup final. To cut a long story short, I ended up going to the game, My Irish Uncles from Liverpool, worshiped Bill Shankly and L.F.C.
Now when you are eight years of age, and four big Irish Liverpudlian dockers "tell you" to do something, and are taking you to the biggest game of the season; and you know you will be the envy of all your school pals, well, would you argue with them? Besides, I liked the colour Red.:D
So I guess I became a Liverpool supporter as a bit of a glory hunter, as many youngsters do. But then again, I was living within easy reach of a number of London clubs, and I could easily have chosen to support one of them instead. (still; great for all the away games).
But the atmosphere of that day at Wembley is still held fast in my memory. I will never forget that day, although to be honest, with all the jostling and fervor of the crowd; I don't remember much of the game itself.
The fact it was May 1st, and Bill was such a socialist, as were my parents and all my Irish-Liverpudlian relatives, made it more special. Well. that was a good excuse for all the beer drunk that night.:D
Heros of that era, Well of course, Ian St John and Roger Hunt, the two goal scorers that day.
But we must never forget some of the others (we should never forget any of them really) from that 1st Bill Shankly era. Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats, Peter Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Gerry Byrne and of course the great Tommy Smith. One of the few who remained in the "second" Shankly team.
On my first visit to Anfield, in 1974, standing on the Kop,(still have the program) there were twenty two Legends on the pitch that day. It was a "Top of the table clash" with Leeds Utd.
Now; much as Don Revie and Bill were great rivals, they had great respect for each other, and there was a "Tribute to the Kop" from Don Revie in the match day program, where he praised the Liverpool supporters. and said that he "loved playing at Anfield, but could never remember winning there":D
Just a few from that day
Ray Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, wow, what a team we had back then.
Up front of course were Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, two players who "understood" each other so well on the pitch, that it was said they were "mind readers".
There was even a special tv program made, where they showed all the goals and assists between them. It was "keegan, Toshack, goal", or "Toshack Keegan, Goal". Those two were uncanny together.
So much so, that the BBC had them do a show where one was asked to pick a card, and the other asked to "guess?" what the card was.:D
O' and we won that game 1-0 with a last gasp goal, and the crowd went crazy. Quite an initiation for me on the Kop.
Sorry if the post has got too long, but just thought I'd try and involve some of the older folk here in the thread. :D
Top post mate i liked it.
Sir Mr Caribbean man hehe Johnny smiling Barnes love the guy! :D :scarf :scarf ;)
OldSniperwolfy96
9-12-11, 18:24
good article
Hi theliverword, excuse me for editing your O/P no offence meant, you know I love your threads.:)
Just thought I'd join in and give a older persons point of view. I can't fault any of your choices, tho' I'd probably include Danny Murphy and John Arne Risse, who I loved as great "team players" with the occasional touch of magic.
But let's take a trip into yesteryear, from when I was first "TOLD" I must support Liverpool.
I say "TOLD", because when I was a nipper, my, originally Irish; family moved to London, (Fathers work), but I had many relatives in Liverpool, who were dockers, and shipwrights, connected with Belfasts' Harland and Wolff.
My Uncles came down to our home in Harlesden, N.W.London, which is close to Wembley, to stay for a few nights, 'see the sights of London etc'. prior to the 1965 F.A.Cup final. To cut a long story short, I ended up going to the game, My Irish Uncles from Liverpool, worshiped Bill Shankly and L.F.C.
Now when you are eight years of age, and four big Irish Liverpudlian dockers "tell you" to do something, and are taking you to the biggest game of the season; and you know you will be the envy of all your school pals, well, would you argue with them? Besides, I liked the colour Red.:D
So I guess I became a Liverpool supporter as a bit of a glory hunter, as many youngsters do. But then again, I was living within easy reach of a number of London clubs, and I could easily have chosen to support one of them instead. (still; great for all the away games).
But the atmosphere of that day at Wembley is still held fast in my memory. I will never forget that day, although to be honest, with all the jostling and fervor of the crowd; I don't remember much of the game itself.
The fact it was May 1st, and Bill was such a socialist, as were my parents and all my Irish-Liverpudlian relatives, made it more special. Well. that was a good excuse for all the beer drunk that night.:D
Heros of that era, Well of course, Ian St John and Roger Hunt, the two goal scorers that day.
But we must never forget some of the others (we should never forget any of them really) from that 1st Bill Shankly era. Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats, Peter Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Gerry Byrne and of course the great Tommy Smith. One of the few who remained in the "second" Shankly team.
On my first visit to Anfield, in 1974, standing on the Kop,(still have the program) there were twenty two Legends on the pitch that day. It was a "Top of the table clash" with Leeds Utd.
Now; much as Don Revie and Bill were great rivals, they had great respect for each other, and there was a "Tribute to the Kop" from Don Revie in the match day program, where he praised the Liverpool supporters. and said that he "loved playing at Anfield, but could never remember winning there":D
Just a few from that day
Ray Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, wow, what a team we had back then.
Up front of course were Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, two players who "understood" each other so well on the pitch, that it was said they were "mind readers".
There was even a special tv program made, where they showed all the goals and assists between them. It was "keegan, Toshack, goal", or "Toshack Keegan, Goal". Those two were uncanny together.
So much so, that the BBC had them do a show where one was asked to pick a card, and the other asked to "guess?" what the card was.:D
O' and we won that game 1-0 with a last gasp goal, and the crowd went crazy. Quite an initiation for me on the Kop.
Sorry if the post has got too long, but just thought I'd try and involve some of the older folk here in the thread. :D
we miss you Robin.
RodgersThat
9-12-11, 20:32
Hi theliverword, excuse me for editing your O/P no offence meant, you know I love your threads.:)
Just thought I'd join in and give a older persons point of view. I can't fault any of your choices, tho' I'd probably include Danny Murphy and John Arne Risse, who I loved as great "team players" with the occasional touch of magic.
But let's take a trip into yesteryear, from when I was first "TOLD" I must support Liverpool.
I say "TOLD", because when I was a nipper, my, originally Irish; family moved to London, (Fathers work), but I had many relatives in Liverpool, who were dockers, and shipwrights, connected with Belfasts' Harland and Wolff.
My Uncles came down to our home in Harlesden, N.W.London, which is close to Wembley, to stay for a few nights, 'see the sights of London etc'. prior to the 1965 F.A.Cup final. To cut a long story short, I ended up going to the game, My Irish Uncles from Liverpool, worshiped Bill Shankly and L.F.C.
Now when you are eight years of age, and four big Irish Liverpudlian dockers "tell you" to do something, and are taking you to the biggest game of the season; and you know you will be the envy of all your school pals, well, would you argue with them? Besides, I liked the colour Red.:D
So I guess I became a Liverpool supporter as a bit of a glory hunter, as many youngsters do. But then again, I was living within easy reach of a number of London clubs, and I could easily have chosen to support one of them instead. (still; great for all the away games).
But the atmosphere of that day at Wembley is still held fast in my memory. I will never forget that day, although to be honest, with all the jostling and fervor of the crowd; I don't remember much of the game itself.
The fact it was May 1st, and Bill was such a socialist, as were my parents and all my Irish-Liverpudlian relatives, made it more special. Well. that was a good excuse for all the beer drunk that night.:D
Heros of that era, Well of course, Ian St John and Roger Hunt, the two goal scorers that day.
But we must never forget some of the others (we should never forget any of them really) from that 1st Bill Shankly era. Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats, Peter Lawler, Tommy Lawrence, Peter Thompson, Gerry Byrne and of course the great Tommy Smith. One of the few who remained in the "second" Shankly team.
On my first visit to Anfield, in 1974, standing on the Kop,(still have the program) there were twenty two Legends on the pitch that day. It was a "Top of the table clash" with Leeds Utd.
Now; much as Don Revie and Bill were great rivals, they had great respect for each other, and there was a "Tribute to the Kop" from Don Revie in the match day program, where he praised the Liverpool supporters. and said that he "loved playing at Anfield, but could never remember winning there":D
Just a few from that day
Ray Clemence, Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes, wow, what a team we had back then.
Up front of course were Kevin Keegan and John Toshack, two players who "understood" each other so well on the pitch, that it was said they were "mind readers".
There was even a special tv program made, where they showed all the goals and assists between them. It was "keegan, Toshack, goal", or "Toshack Keegan, Goal". Those two were uncanny together.
So much so, that the BBC had them do a show where one was asked to pick a card, and the other asked to "guess?" what the card was.:D
O' and we won that game 1-0 with a last gasp goal, and the crowd went crazy. Quite an initiation for me on the Kop.
Sorry if the post has got too long, but just thought I'd try and involve some of the older folk here in the thread. :D
An absolute boss post !!! RRS ...hope the ban isn't deterring you from haunting the forum.
an absolute boss post !!! Rrs ...hope the ban isn't deterring you from haunting the forum.
well said rush
tzobserver
16-12-11, 14:29
Robbie Fowler – I’m sure he is on every supporters list. One of the greatest finishers ever. He such an ability for scoring goals, he could score goals from anywhere. Should have won many more England caps. It was great to see him return to us for a second spell. He will always be remembered fondly at Liverpool.
Couldn't agree with you more!! After Rush and Dalglish, he was probably our best striker ever!!
In recent times?
Jean Arne Riise :tongue2:
What a player! Great left foot!
OldSniperwolfy96
4-1-12, 23:57
In recent times?
Jean Arne Riise :tongue2:
What a player! Great left foot!
I think it was John Arne Riise:tongue2: