In brief
Liverpool has a rich history and tradition and has been home to many remarkable people.
The Merseyside giants are the most successful English team in European play, having won 19 top-flight titles.
Among the greatest players to ever wear that iconic hue of red are three members of the current Liverpool team.
Since its founding in 1892, Liverpool FC, one of the most illustrious organisations in world football, has played host to many outstanding players. With a long and illustrious history, this legendary club has established a reputation for success that has helped it become one of the most prosperous teams in both England and Europe. The extraordinary talent that has graced the Anfield grass over the years is largely responsible for this success.
From the inspirational Steven Gerrard to the charismatic ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish, from the incredible goal-scoring feats of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler to the contemporary heroes like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, these players have made Liverpool legendary.
However, which players in Liverpool’s history are the best? The top 20 players in history to don the renowned red shirt have been ranked by GIVEMESPORT.
Factors that rank
Given the difficulty of creating such a list, we have considered a number of factors when choosing our choices, such as:
Total statistics, including games played, goals, assists, and trophies won
The effect they produced
From 1977 till 1990, Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish, who was a football genius and is regarded as “King Kenny” by the Anfield supporters, is one of the most revered individuals in Liverpool’s history. Dalglish created and scored goals with amazing consistency by combining skill, cunning, and a profound grasp of the game.
His ability to perform in crucial situations was unmatched; in the 1978 European Cup final, he scored the game-winning goal. Beyond his playing career, Dalglish had a significant influence on Liverpool, leading the team to more managerial success. He is still seen in and around Anfield today, acting as a living reminder of the Reds’ past as England’s undeniable Kings of Europe. His contributions as a manager and player make him a true icon of the club.
2 Jeffrey Gerrard, 1998–2015
Unquestionably one of Liverpool’s finest players ever, Steven Gerrard is considered by many to be among the best midfielders of his period. Gerrard, who is renowned for his leadership, enthusiasm, and extraordinary talent, led the squad through many trying times. He was a complete midfielder because of his ability to score amazing goals, his tireless running, and his outstanding passing range.
Many of Liverpool’s triumphs, notably the incredible Champions League victory in Istanbul in 2005, were made possible by Gerrard’s services. Gerrard’s devotion to the Reds and his outstanding performances guarantee his place as a genuine Liverpool legend, even though his boyhood team did not win the championship.
3Mohamed Salah
2017–Present
Unquestionably one of the best players in Liverpool’s history, Mohamed Salah continues to play for the team. He has been absolutely amazing since coming in 2017. His speed, ability, and accurate finishing have allowed him to shatter many records, including the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season, which was eventually eclipsed by Erling Haaland.
Salah’s goals have been crucial to Liverpool’s recent triumphs, which include the Premier League titles in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. He is considered one of the greatest players in the world due to his steady performances throughout Jurgen Klopp’s heyday, and he may earn a Ballon d’Or before leaving Merseyside.
4Billy Liddell
1938–1961
And from the line this legend would dance into the middle, he’d then unleash a thunderbolt as the crowd sang ‘Billy Liddell!’❤️#OnThisDay 101 years ago, a true Reds icon and one of our greatest ever players was born! pic.twitter.com/FXWYrU6A9g
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 10, 2023
During one of the most trying times in Liverpool’s history, Billy Liddell was a bright spot for the team. Known for his remarkable dribbling abilities, rapid speed, and forceful shots, Liddell led the squad into the post-war era. Liddell earned his senior career’s only English title in the first top-flight competition following the world war.
Liddell’s performances were so good that the team was frequently dubbed to as “Liddellpool” during this time, even though they were playing for a poor team. He is still regarded by Liverpool supporters as one of the franchise’s greatest players because of his devotion to the team and loyalty in the face of interest from other teams.
Five, Ian Rush (1980–1986, 1988–1996)
Ian Rush’s precision finishing and unwavering work ethic have earned him the title of Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer. The Welshman was a continual danger to defenders because of his quickness, cunning, and predatory tendencies. Rush scored an incredible 346 goals in his two stints at the club, helping Liverpool win every domestic and European award available.
Liverpool supporters remember his relationship with strike partner Kenny Dalglish with fondness, as the two formed one of the most powerful teams in English football history. Rush’s contribution to Liverpool’s success in the 1980s solidifies his place among the team’s all-time greats.
6 Graham Souness, 1978–1984.
Happy Birthday, Graeme Souness 🎉
The Scot turns 70 today and made 3⃣5⃣9⃣ appearances for the Reds and is a true #LFC legend 🔴
Here's his first goal for Liverpool, coming against Man Utd in 1978 🤩pic.twitter.com/1ekaiADosa
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) May 6, 2023
A dynamic and persistent midfielder, Graeme Souness was essential to Liverpool’s supremacy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Liverpool’s midfield relied heavily on Souness, who was renowned for his strong tackles and excellent distribution. He had a talent for scoring crucial goals and had a great passing range.
Souness’ significance to one of Liverpool’s most successful teams in history was highlighted by his five league titles and three European Cups during his six years at Anfield. In addition to being one of the fiercest players in the club’s legendary past, the Scottish hero with the moustachioed beard had a significant impact both on and off the pitch, making him one of the all-time greats.
Seventh, Roger Hunt (1958–1969)
Roger Hunt, a graduate of Liverpool’s development system, played a pivotal role in turning the Merseyside team from a second-division team into one of the most powerful teams in English football. With 285 goals in 492 games, Hunt’s goal-scoring prowess helped Liverpool win two league crowns and their first-ever FA Cup.
Hunt’s significance to Liverpool is demonstrated by the fact that, even after all this time, he is still among the team’s all-time top scorers. Hunt—or ‘Sir Roger’ as his loyal supporters called him—is considered one of the best attackers in Liverpool history because of his exceptional positional awareness, precision finishing, and unwavering gentlemanly demeanour.
8Ian Callaghan
1959-1978
Anfield loves nothing more than a tale of a young, working-class Scouser making his way through the academy to fulfil his dreams of leading the Reds to victory, but the story of Ian Callaghan, a midfielder from Toxteth who made his debut for Liverpool in 1958 when the Merseyside team was still in the shadow of Everton and playing in the second division, is so incredible that it will never be repeated. By the time he hung his boots for the final time in 1978, however, he had played a key part in the Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley eras, as the Reds won five First Division titles, two FA Cups, and two European Cups. He is the only player who stayed to see Shankly’s promise of making Liverpool a bastion of invincibility come true, and he remains the club’s all-time top appearance-maker with 857 games.
9Alan Hansen
1977–1991
Before the word was coined, Alan Hansen was the quintessential contemporary centre-back. Hansen, a Rolls-Royce in the Paisley, Joe Fagan, and Dalglish dynasties, was a key member of Liverpool’s successful team in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was endowed with graceful ball-playing abilities, a composed manner, and a thorough understanding of the game.
Hansen’s poise and reliability during his 14 years with the club helped Liverpool win multiple domestic and European awards, including three European Cups and eight league titles. Hansen distinguished himself from his peers and became the greatest defender in Liverpool history thanks to his poise and class on the ball.
10 Clemence, Ray (1968–1981)
Ray Clemence is one of the most important players in Liverpool history and one of the best goalkeepers the English league has ever had, with 665 appearances, 319 clean sheets, and a trophy collection that many can only imagine. But because of his excellence, Peter Shilton did not get as many call-ups as his skill merited.
Clemence became one of the most decorated players in Liverpool’s history during his tenure, winning five League crowns, three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and five Community Shields.
11 Keegan, Kevin (1971–1977)
A dynamic and affable forward, Kevin Keegan played a key role in solidifying Liverpool’s supremacy in the 1970s. Keegan won over the Anfield supporters with his unrelenting running, exceptional technical skill, and goal-scoring ability. The diligent forward was eventually dubbed the “King of the Kop” after being signed as a total unknown after excelling in the fourth division with Scunthorpe United.
Liverpool supporters still have pleasant memories of his collaboration with John Toshack, which was one of the most effective strike partnerships in English football. Before collecting two Ballon d’Or mantles with Hamburg in the two years after his departure, Keegan’s talents helped Liverpool win three league titles and their first-ever European Cup in 1977, guaranteeing his place at the table of Liverpool greats.
Twelve, John Barnes (1987–1997)
John Barnes was a very remarkable winger who combined incredible speed with extraordinary talent and originality. He was one of the most feared attackers in English football and possibly the best dribbler the nation has ever produced because of his ability to evade opponents as if they weren’t there and his eye for goal.
Barnes played a key role in the Liverpool team that won two FA Cups and two league titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Barnes is among the best players to have ever worn the Liverpool shirt because of his outstanding on-field performances, even in the face of heinous racist taunts. He would undoubtedly be higher in the rankings if his tenure with the team had taken place in the 1970s.
13 Virgil van Dijk from 2018 to the present
Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the most significant players in Liverpool’s history, according to numerous elite centre backs. The towering Dutchman has transformed the Reds’ defence since joining the team from Southampton for £75 million in 2018, giving a previously shaky backline stability and poise. Liverpool’s recent victories, which have included Premier League and Champions League crowns, have been greatly aided by his imposing presence, intellect, and aerial supremacy as well as his flawless ability to read the game.
Van Dijk’s impact extends beyond his defensive responsibilities; his ability to launch assaults with precise long passes has given Liverpool’s game a new angle. When the Dutch defender placed second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or voting—a remarkable accomplishment for a defender—his influence was validated.
14Emlyn Hughes
1967-1979
20 years ago today, Emlyn Hughes sadly passed away.
RIP, ‘Crazy Horse’ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WuJ0GDWo5i
— Boss Liverpool Goals (@BossLFCgoals) November 9, 2024
Many people consider Emlyn Hughes to be one of Liverpool’s best players ever. As captain, he personified the team’s tenacity and drive for victory. Hughes led Liverpool through one of their most prosperous periods and was known as “Crazy Horse” for his unwavering enthusiasm and daring tackling.
Hughes became a staple in Liverpool’s defence after being signed by Bill Shankly from Blackpool in 1967. His unending energy made him an instant fan favourite, and his versatility allowed him to play as a midfielder as well as a centre-back. Liverpool won two league crowns (1975–76, 1976–77), two European Cups (1977, 1978), an FA Cup (1974), and two UEFA Cups (1973, 1976) when Hughes was captain. The team dominated both domestic and European football.
His leadership was unparalleled, and one of the club’s most memorable moments is his iconic trophy lift in 1977 as Liverpool won their first-ever European Cup in Rome.
15 Roberto Fowler, 1993–2001 and 2006–2007
One of the most naturally talented strikers in Liverpool’s history, Robbie Fowler is referred to by the team’s supporters as “God” with affection and conviction. Fowler was a terror for defenders because of his technical prowess, underappreciated altruism, and predatory instincts in front of goal.
Despite being up against a number of gifted forwards throughout his tenure, Fowler scored 183 goals in two stints at Anfield. The remarkable records he set demonstrated his ability to score goals from nearly anywhere on the pitch, solidifying his place among Liverpool’s best forwards and players. His mural still faces Anfield on one of the surrounding homes, and if you attempt to photograph it, a halo will appear over his head, giving the impression that he will always remain there.
16 Tommy Smith (1962–2009)
Tommy Smith, a defender whose unyielding manner terrified opponents, was the epitome of Liverpool’s working-class tenacity and resolve. Smith, known as “The Anfield Iron,” was a player who made sure everyone who dared to cross his path felt his toughness. It was once remarked of him by Bill Shankly, “Tommy Smith wasn’t born, he was quarried.” He was a rock at the rear, unyielding and unyielding, and it was the right way to describe him.
Between 1962 and 1978, Smith played more than 600 games for Liverpool, winning four league crowns, two FA Cups, two UEFA Cups, and a European Cup. He was known for his unwavering toughness, but he was also a smart, well-behaved player who set an example. His greatest moment occurred when, at the age of 32, he headed home a goal to help Liverpool win the European Cup for the first time ever in the 1977 final. Tommy Smith, who fought until the finish, was more than just a defender; he was a representation of Liverpool’s unwavering spirit.
Ronnie Whelan, 17 (1979–1994)
Ronnie Whelan was a vital member of Liverpool’s winning teams in the 1980s. He was a clever midfielder with exceptional passing and shooting abilities. He could play a variety of midfield positions due to his versatility, and the squad greatly benefited from his long-range scoring prowess.
Whelan stood out for his ability to score important goals in pivotal games, and his performances were characterised by consistency and dependability. Whelan’s significance to one of Liverpool’s most successful teams in history was highlighted by his six league titles, half a dozen domestic cups, and the 1984 European Cup during his tenure at Anfield.
18 Ray Kennedy (1974–1982)
Ray Kennedy is a name that younger fans might not be familiar with, but his significance to Liverpool’s past cannot be emphasised. Kennedy made important contributions to Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a versatile player who could play in midfield or attack.
Kennedy, who was originally signed as a forward, flourished in a left-midfield position under Bob Paisley. He was a tremendous asset to the squad because of his strength, precise passing, and talent for scoring goals. Liverpool won three European Cups and five league crowns while Kennedy was a member of the team. Liverpool is still one of the few teams to defeat Los Blancos in a major final, and the sole goal against Real Madrid in the 1981 European Cup final was set up by the former Arsenal forward’s deft ball to his namesake Alan Kennedy.
Jimi Carragher, 1996–2013
Throughout his 17-year career with Liverpool, Jamie Carragher personified devotion, passion, and dedication, exemplifying what it meant to wear the renowned red shirt. Despite being a flexible defender who could play anywhere around the backline, Carragher was most effective at centre-back. Carragher was a mainstay in Liverpool’s defence and was well-known for his perseverance, leadership, and keen understanding of the game.
When he played through discomfort to help Liverpool win their sixth European Cup in 2005, it was the clearest example of his never-say-die mentality. Carragher was chosen as the club’s Player of the Season at the conclusion of that successful campaign. The loyal Scouser has made 737 appearances for Liverpool, solidifying his legend at Anfield.
20 From 1976–1986, Sammy Lee
https://twitter.com/TheRedmenTV/status/1644550636296364033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1644550636296364033%7Ctwgr%5E076a7576d4a60b01f2b8f8738d1632630237db6a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.givemesport.com%2Fliverpool-greatest-players%2F
Sammy Lee, who is renowned for his unwavering work ethic and ability to score crucial goals, was an essential part of Liverpool’s championship team in the 1980s. Lee was a powerful presence on the pitch despite his small size. He was a fan favourite at Anfield because of his passionate performances and never-say-die mentality.
Lee won multiple domestic and continental awards when he was at Liverpool, including two European Cups and three league titles. Lee’s significance to Liverpool’s success at this time cannot be understated, even though his contributions might not have made headlines. The club’s famed manager, Bob Paisley, remarked of the 5′ 4in tyro, “If he were a few inches taller, they’d make him Mayor of Liverpool with the character and attitude he shows.”
21 From 2016 until 2025, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold had everything it took to become one of Liverpool’s greatest players and would soon be a villain on Merseyside. More like the top five than the top twenty-five. The Scouser, a born club captain, won the Premier League and the Champions League before his career truly took off, but instead of following in Steven Gerrard’s footsteps, he chose to follow in the footsteps of Steve McManaman and Michael Owen, joining Real Madrid for free in 2025.
He now owns the Premier League record for most assists by a defender, and Madrid might fulfil his aspirations of taking home the Ballon d’Or. But it won’t help the Anfield supporters, who will always feel split over the right-back for abandoning a team he had a deep affection for as a child.
22 Alisson Becker from 2018 until the present
Alisson has played a key role in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League victories with his composed manner and ability to make incredible saves in pivotal situations. It is impossible to overstate the Brazilian’s tremendous impact on Liverpool’s comeback, and as maybe the greatest player in his position on the planet, he remains an essential component of the team’s success. Alisson even scored for Liverpool, who memorably won a pivotal match against West Bromwich Albion to qualify for the 2021 Champions League.
