Liverpool FC's history is packed with players whose skill and loyalty delivered league titles and European glory across six decades. Ranking them sparks endless debate over impact, longevity and silverware. Vote on your top picks below.
What counts: Best means most impactful through trophies, appearances and memorable contributions to Liverpool's success. Figures are approximate.
Virgil van Dijk▲ Rising
Van Dijk arrived in 2018 and instantly organised the defence, leading Liverpool to the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League title. His aerial dominance and composure redefined the backline. Injuries have interrupted his peak.
Appearances: 200Goals: 15Trophies: 6Position: DefenderDebut Year: 2018
added by IJRin 3 rankingsVirgil van Dijk
Michael Owen▲ Rising
Owen burst into the first team at 17 and won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 after his solo goal against Argentina and FA Cup final heroics. His pace terrified defences for five seasons. He left for Real Madrid after contract disputes.
Appearances: 216Goals: 118Trophies: 5Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1997
added by IJRin 3 rankingsMichael Owen
Kenny Dalglish▲ Rising
Dalglish arrived in 1977 and became the focal point of Liverpool's attack, scoring the winner in the 1978 European Cup final. He later managed the club to further success. His vision and finishing made him a fans' idol across two decades.
Appearances: 515Goals: 172Trophies: 20Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1977
added by IJRKenny Dalglish
Ian Rush▲ Rising
Rush broke through in the early 80s and formed a lethal partnership with Dalglish, netting five league titles and two European Cups. His predatory instincts delivered a club-record 346 goals. He returned after a brief Juventus spell to win more silverware.
Appearances: 660Goals: 346Trophies: 15Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1980
added by IJRIan Rush
Steven Gerrard▲ Rising
Gerrard rose from the academy to captain Liverpool through the 2005 Champions League miracle and multiple domestic cups. His long-range strikes and leadership defined the 2000s. He remains the benchmark for one-club loyalty and big-game heroics.
Appearances: 710Goals: 186Trophies: 17Position: MidfielderDebut Year: 1998
added by IJRin 4 rankingsSteven Gerrard
Jamie Carragher▲ Rising
Carragher came through the academy and became the defensive rock for 17 years, captaining the side and starring in the 2005 Champions League win. His passion and reading of the game were unmatched. He retired as a one-club legend.
Appearances: 737Goals: 5Trophies: 15Position: DefenderDebut Year: 1996
added by IJRJamie Carragher
Salah joined in 2017 and immediately transformed Liverpool's attack, scoring 32 league goals in his first season and winning the Golden Boot multiple times. His dribbling and finishing powered the 2019 Champions League triumph. He continues to break records.
Appearances: 300Goals: 150Trophies: 7Position: ForwardDebut Year: 2017
added by IJRin 3 rankingsMohamed Salah
Alan Hansen▲ Rising
Hansen formed a legendary central defensive partnership in the 80s, winning eight league titles and three European Cups. His reading of the game and composure were exceptional. He retired as one of the club's most decorated defenders.
Appearances: 620Goals: 14Trophies: 17Position: DefenderDebut Year: 1977
added by IJRAlan Hansen
Luis Suarez▲ Rising
Suarez signed in 2011 and formed a terrifying front three, scoring 31 league goals in the near-title 2013-14 season. His hunger and skill made him unplayable at times. He left for Barcelona after a biting incident and ban.
Appearances: 133Goals: 82Trophies: 3Position: ForwardDebut Year: 2011
added by IJR
Torres joined in 2007 and scored the winner in the 2008 Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal. His movement and finishing made him an instant fan favourite before a big-money move to Chelsea.
Appearances: 142Goals: 65Trophies: 2Position: ForwardDebut Year: 2007
added by IJRFernando Torres
Alonso arrived in 2004 and dictated midfield tempo with precise passing, starring in the 2005 Champions League final comeback. His long-range strikes and vision were vital. He departed for Real Madrid in 2009.
Appearances: 210Goals: 19Trophies: 4Position: MidfielderDebut Year: 2004
added by IJRXabi Alonso
Grobbelaar arrived in 1981 and became the eccentric keeper behind four league titles and the 1984 European Cup. His antics and saves added personality to the team. He stayed for 13 years.
Appearances: 628Goals: 0Trophies: 13Position: GoalkeeperDebut Year: 1981
added by IJRBruce Grobbelaar
Hughes captained Liverpool in the 70s, winning four league titles and two European Cups with tireless energy. His versatility and leadership were vital. He remains a symbol of the club's golden era.
Appearances: 665Goals: 49Trophies: 13Position: DefenderDebut Year: 1967
added by IJREmlyn Hughes
Sadio Mane▲ Rising
Mane signed in 2016 and became half of the devastating front three, scoring crucial goals including the 2019 Champions League final winner. His speed and pressing intensity defined Klopp's high-octane style. He left for Bayern after six trophy-laden years.
Appearances: 269Goals: 90Trophies: 6Position: ForwardDebut Year: 2016
added by IJR
Ray Clemence▲ Rising
Clemence kept goal for a decade in the 70s, winning five league titles and three European Cups with outstanding reflexes. His consistency was unmatched. He left for Tottenham in 1981.
Appearances: 665Goals: 0Trophies: 13Position: GoalkeeperDebut Year: 1967
added by IJRRay Clemence
Fowler exploded onto the scene in the 90s with dazzling finishing and became the youngest player to score 100 Premier League goals. His hat-tricks and local roots endeared him to fans. He delivered consistent goals before injuries slowed him.
Appearances: 369Goals: 171Trophies: 7Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1993
added by IJRin 2 rankingsRobbie Fowler
Reina signed in 2005 and kept goal through the 2006 FA Cup and 2007 Champions League final, winning the Golden Glove multiple times. His shot-stopping and distribution were top class. He left after eight years.
Appearances: 394Goals: 0Trophies: 6Position: GoalkeeperDebut Year: 2005
added by IJRPepe Reina
Alisson joined in 2018 and transformed the goalkeeping position with shot-stopping and distribution, key to the 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League triumphs. His calm presence stabilised the defence. He remains the first-choice keeper.
Appearances: 200Goals: 1Trophies: 6Position: GoalkeeperDebut Year: 2018
added by IJRin 3 rankingsAlisson Becker
Roger Hunt▼ Falling
Hunt was the prolific striker of the 60s, scoring 244 goals and winning two league titles plus the 1965 FA Cup. His work rate defined Shankly's early teams. He left after a decade of service.
Appearances: 492Goals: 244Trophies: 4Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1958
added by IJRRoger Hunt
Neal played right-back for a decade, winning four European Cups and eight league titles with reliable defending and penalties. His consistency was vital to Paisley's success. He later managed briefly.
Appearances: 650Goals: 60Trophies: 20Position: DefenderDebut Year: 1974
added by IJRPhil Neal
Keegan signed in 1971 and became the star forward, winning the Ballon d'Or twice and two European Cups. His work rate and goals powered Shankly's and Paisley's teams. He left for Hamburg at his peak.
Appearances: 323Goals: 100Trophies: 8Position: ForwardDebut Year: 1971
added by IJRin 2 rankingsKevin Keegan
Barnes joined in 1987 and dazzled with dribbling and crossing on the left wing, helping win two league titles. His skill and flair brought excitement to the late 80s and early 90s. Injuries curtailed his later years.
Appearances: 407Goals: 108Trophies: 5Position: MidfielderDebut Year: 1987
added by IJRJohn Barnes
Graeme Souness▼ Falling
Souness arrived in 1978 and dominated midfield with tough tackling and leadership, captaining the side to multiple titles and European Cups. His no-nonsense style set the tone for the 80s. He later managed the club briefly.
Appearances: 359Goals: 38Trophies: 15Position: MidfielderDebut Year: 1978
added by IJRGraeme Souness
Dirk Kuyt▼ Falling
Kuyt arrived in 2006 and became the ultimate workhorse forward, scoring vital goals including in the 2007 Champions League final. His pressing and versatility endeared him to fans. He left after six solid seasons.
Appearances: 285Goals: 71Trophies: 4Position: ForwardDebut Year: 2006
added by IJRDirk Kuyt
Sami Hyypia▼ Falling
Hyypia signed for a bargain and became a defensive pillar for a decade, winning the 2001 treble and 2005 Champions League. His aerial ability and leadership shone. He retired in 2009.
Appearances: 464Goals: 35Trophies: 7Position: DefenderDebut Year: 1999
added by IJR
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The criteria line matters here. Read it before you vote or you're arguing about a different list.
Steven Gerrard at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.
Somebody explain the Steven Gerrard votes to me. Genuinely. I want to understand.