Bascombe names his top 50 Liverpool players

[JohnnyH]

Chris Bascombe's top 50 Liverpool players ever.  I think trying to work out 50-10 is very hard and will be very subjective, but from 10 down is where it gets interesting.  I absolutely agree with his choice of top 4.  One and two can change dependent on the wind, but I think that's the correct top 4.

 

 

 

Suarez in the top 10 immediately has me shaking my head in horror, but then I try and think where he should be, and he was just so damn exciting that I don't know where to put him. If he'd stayed a few more seasons then maybe top 10, but I just can't bring myself to have him there after such a short stay. I think Keegan and Hughes can feel very hard done by to be outside of the top 10 when he's in it.

 

 

 

So below is his top 50.

 

 

 

50. Alec Lindsay

 

Lindsay was utilised in several positions until Bill Shankly switched him from midfield to left back, where he would remain for most of the 1970s. “He could peel an orange with his left foot,” Shankly once said of him.

 

 

 

49. Daniel Sturridge

 

Sturridge may ease up this list the longer he remains at Anfield. His strike rate eclipses Fowler and Rush, and only injury has prevented the record books being rewritten already.

 

 

 

48. Stephane Henchoz

 

It is often overlooked how Henchoz and Hyypia turned a poor Liverpool defence into one of Europe’s best at the start of the millennium. Treble winner Henchoz was brave, tactically astute and the perfect complement to Hyypia’s elegance.

 

 

 

47. Willie Stevenson

 

Midfielder Stevenson was another celebrated member of Shankly's title winning and FA Cup winning team of the mid-60s. He joined Liverpool in 1962, winning the League Title and FA Cup in successive seasons.

 

 

 

46. Gordon Milne

 

Moved to Anfield at the same time as Ron Yeats and Ian St John following Shankly’s appointment, becoming part of Liverpool’s transformation. Milne was integral part of team that won promotion, before winning the First Division title in 1964.

 

 

 

 

45. Dietmar Hamann

 

Many would rate Javier Mascherano ahead of Hamann as Anfield’s premier anchorman. They’d be wrong. Hamann’s character saw Liverpool through some of their most testing fixtures, his appearances in Istanbul and in the 2006 FA Cup Final pivotal to the greatest of comebacks.

 

 

44. John Aldridge

 

Joined Liverpool late in his career but made the most of every minute during a majestic three seasons, especially when putting the finishing touches to the 1987-88 team.

 

 

43. John Toshack

 

Liverpool have not always specialised in a traditional ‘target man’ but Toshack’s formidable partnership with Kevin Keegan in the 1970s remains one of the most celebrated in Kop history.

 

 

42. Jimmy Case

 

If ever a player is thought to have been sold too soon it is Jimmy Case. A brutal midfielder, he was respected and feared in equal measure. Suffers unfairly from the comparison with Souness, but he was a midfielder enforcer of the highest standard.

 

 

41. Steve McManaman

 

History shows McManaman wasn’t appreciated as much as he should have been after a stunning breakthrough – he would achieve more at Real Madrid than Anfield – but for a while the team revolved around him.

 

 

 

40. Alan Kennedy

 

Scoring two European Cup winning goals would earn you a statue at most clubs. At Liverpool, Kennedy is one of the many legends. Football is about seizing the day, and none has ever grabbed it with more relish and regularity than the left back.

 

 

39. Steve McMahon

 

The engine room of the 1987-88 side had so much to live up to but delivered some of the greatest performances in Liverpool history. Alongside Ronnie Whelan, McMahon could overpower as much as outplay opponents.

 

 

38. Peter Thompson

 

A speedy left winger of the Shankly era who liked to beat a defender once for practice, and then go back and beat him again to leave him doubly bewildered. Thompson was a creative force of Liverpool in the 1960s.

 

 

37. Gerry Byrne

 

A one-club man who famously played 117 minutes of the 1965 FA Cup Final with a broken collar bone. He is considered the bravest of all Liverpool’s defenders for such endeavours.

 

 

 

36. Steve Nicol

 

Nicol could and did play everywhere. Initially a right back, he was switched to the left under Kenny Dalglish and formed a devastating partnership with John Barnes – once scoring a hat-trick from defence. At his peak, he was 9/10 every week.

 

 

35. Ronnie Whelan

 

Alongside Steve Nicol, midfielder Whelan was one of the most underrated players in Liverpool history - appreciated more when he was no longer there. Whenever the side was tweaked in the triumphant 80s, Whelan and Nicol were the mainstays.

 

 

34. Gordon Hodgson

 

There are prolific strikers, and then there is Gordon Hodgson. Liverpool’s top scorer in seven of his nine full seasons at Anfield from 1925, he struck 233 goals in 358 games.

 

 

33. Steve Heighway

 

Heighway was introduced as part of Bill Shankly’s reshaped side of the early 70s, and would thrive under Bob Paisley as the decade progressed. Titles, a UEFA Cup, a European Cup and a Kop chant that continues today would follow.

 

 

32. Chris Lawler

 

Lawler was considered the ‘Silent Knight’ of the Shankly era. He was a goalscoring phenomenon from right back, scoring 61 goals over his 11 illustrious years in the first team from 1963.

 

 

 

31. Phil Neal

 

Neal won more league titles than any Liverpool player – second only to Ryan Giggs in the whole of English football – and he scored in two European Cup finals, winning four. No-one at Anfield will beat that.

 

 

 

 

30. Phil Thompson

 

Kirkby’s finest footballer, Thompson emerged through the youth ranks to become club captain. An elegant defender often eclipsed by Hansen in such lists, but who was as much a template as the ball-playing centre-half.

 

 

 

29. Ray Kennedy

 

Another key component of Bob Paisley’s multiple European Cup winning team. Kennedy was signed as a striker, but moved to left midfield and was said by Paisley be the player most clubs tried to sign during his peak.

 

 

 

28. Terry McDermott

 

Bob Paisley evolved the Liverpool midfield into a perfect blend of skill, toughness and goal threat. McDermott’s partnerships with Jimmy Case, and later Graeme Souness ensured Liverpool had most games won once the teamsheet was printed.

 

 

27. Tommy Smith

 

The ‘Anfield Iron’ is another iconic player from the 1960s, who extended his Liverpool career until the European Cup win of 1977 when he scored a famous header in Rome. A tough defender who could play as well as tackle.

 

 

 

26. Ian St John

 

Liverpool will have more men approaching 50 called ‘Ian’ than any major city. Why? St John was a pioneer of the Shankly revolution, the embodiment of the winning mentality that defined Liverpool under Scottish rule.

 

 

25. Jan Molby

 

The midfield inspiration behind The Double of 1986, Jan Molby was the first player to bring a touch continental class to Liverpool’s midfield. He was too often injured, but when he was on his game no-one could get the ball off Dalglish’s 80s side.

 

 

24. Peter Beardsley

 

He was often accused of inconsistency, but there were not too many occasions Peter Beardsley was on the losing side for Liverpool. His combination with Barnes, Aldridge and Houghton created the most attractive of Anfield teams.

 

 

23. Fernando Torres

 

Forget the Torres who left Anfield and applaud the one who joined from Atletico Madrid. For three years he had the speed and courage of Rush, and finishing power of Fowler. It didn’t last, but time will forgive him and happier memories will linger.

 

 

 

22. Michael Owen

 

It could have been so different for Owen. At 17, it seemed inevitable he’d be Liverpool’s greatest goalscorer. He still achieved plenty, but injury and a move to Real Madrid created an alternative career path.

 

 

21. Albert Stubbins

 

So good, he forced his way onto the cover of The Beatles ‘Sgt Pepper’ album. Stubbins scored 28 goals when Liverpool won the league title in 1947 – ending a 24 year wait.

 

 

20. Sami Hyypia

 

The modern greats have a monumental task sitting comfortably alongside the Titans of the past, but Hyypia managed it. Like Gerrard and Carragher, won every major honour possible at Liverpool except the Premier League title.

 

 

 

19. Jamie Carragher

 

Carrager and Gerrard were the heart and soul at Anfield for a decade. Take one out, and all those trophies collected would have gone elsewhere. Brave, dedicated and more technically gifted than many credited.

 

 

18. Xabi Alonso

 

It’s hard to place those who did not win a league title, but Alonso would be a contender for any greatest Liverpool team assembled. There has been no greater passer at Anfield, and no player whose premature sale is mourned so much.

 

 

17. Ron Yeats

 

Revolutions need leaders. Yeats was Shankly’s first chief lieutenant, his arrival ushered a new ara at Anfield, the Scot a formidable presence at the back. It was also because Yeats looked so good in all red the now iconic strip was born.

 

 

 

16. Mark Lawrenson

 

In attack there was Rush and Dalglish; in defence Hansen and Lawrenson – you could trace Liverpool’s defensive difficulties of the last 25 years to the moment Lawrenson dislocated his shoulder and retired.

 

 

15. Roger Hunt

 

Shankly’s first great Liverpool team that won the title and FA Cup needed a marksman, and Hunt – a World Cup winner in 1966 – provided the finishing touch. Hunt scored 286 Liverpool goals - only Ian Rush has more.

 

 

 

14. Emlyn Hughes

 

The Gerrard of his age, Hughes could and did play anywhere - midfielder, centre half and full-back. He was one of Bill Shankly’s favourite signings for a reason, and it was under his captaincy Bob Paisley's side conquered Europe in 1977 and 1978.

 

 

13. Ray Clemence

 

Liverpool’s celebrated goalkeeper, another Shankly signing who would win multiple titles and three European Cups under Bob Paisley – one of the greatest keepers the world has seen.

 

 

 

12. Kevin Keegan

 

Keegan was Liverpool and England’s first superstar footballer who turned the number seven jersey into the most valued at the club. He left having inspired Liverpool to their first European Cup in 1977.

 

 

11. Elisha Scott

 

Belfast-born goalkeeper Scott remains one of the most popular players in Liverpool history after a 21-year-stint as The Kop’s number one from 1914. Such was the adulation, fans would run on the pitch and kiss the Ulsterman after a crucial save!

 

 

 

10. Alan Hansen

 

What Rush achieved as a goalscorer, Hansen did at the back. He is the prototype ball-playing centre-half every Liverpool scout is still instructed to find. It’s no coincidence no Liverpool captain has lifted the title since he retired.

 

 

 

9. Robbie Fowler

 

His genius was on display all too briefly at the peak of his powers between 1993-98, but there has been no better finisher in a Liverpool shirt. Fowler’s prodigious goal record earned him the nickname ‘God’.

 

 

8. Billy Liddell

 

Liverpool’s pre-Shankly era is often considered a barren time, but inspired by Liddell they won the league title in 1947. Between 1938 to 1958 he played 492 games and scored 215 goals – to many he was Liverpool in that era.

 

 

 

7. Ian Callaghan

 

Callaghan’s appearance record seems to defy space and time. He made his debut in 1960, flourishing in midfield through the Shankly and Paisley era before leaving in the year Liverpool won their second European Cup in 1978 - 640 appearances later.

 

 

 

6. Luis Suarez

 

Such is his talent, Suarez could have been the number one had he dedicated his career at Anfield. He was not at the club long enough, but the football memories will linger as much as the controversies. He was magnificent for Liverpool.

 

 

 

5. Ian Rush

 

Rush is the greatest of all Liverpool’s goalscorers, the barometer from which all who came before and since are measured. He scored at will, but there was so much more to him. He’d have been a world class midfielder and defender, too.

 

 

 

4. John Barnes

 

Barnes is a cultural as much as footballing icon in Liverpool’s history. They should make him a lifetime ambassador for what he did at Anfield. His sublime wing player was the focal point of the club’s last title winning team.

 

 

 

3. Graeme Souness

 

Souness' reputation suffered because of what happened during his managerial reign at Anfield, but he defined the late 70s and early 80s dominance of Anfield as much as ‘King Kenny’.

 

 

 

2. Kenny Dalglish

 

Usually the favourite pick when naming the greatest Liverpool player. It is hard to argue, but he was part of a world-class ensemble, his genius as an individual flourishing in team already Champions of Europe when he signed in 1977.

 

 

1. Steven Gerrard

 

A contentious choice ahead of Dalglish, but the context in which Gerrard won his trophies – in consistently reshaped teams and alongside many average players - edges him into top spot.

 

[Soleilrouge]

Does Gerrard get first place because he consistently lost his head in big games?

[stringvest]

Does Gerrard get first place because he consistently lost his head in big games?

 

No, because he has been the best.  A king amongst knaves.

[bouncebrigade]

No shout for Luis Garcia for his important goals on the was to numero cinco.  He scored six in the CL that year and had a strike rate of one in four in total (in all comps).

 

Carra surely deserves higher than 19th also.

[Russ Atmosphere]

Does Gerrard get first place because he consistently lost his head in big games?

The Steven Gerrard who has been one of our greatest ever performers in big games? Each to their own I guess.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

Does Gerrard get first place because he consistently lost his head in big games?

I think it's the near countless big games he has won singlehandedly.

[JohnnyH]

Carra surely deserves higher than 19th also.

 

Who would you have him ahead of?

 

That's always the question I end up asking myself with these.  I look at a player and think he should be higher, but then look at who's ahead of the player and usually find myself agreeing, or certainly less certain if they should be higher.

 

I'd argue that Hyypia deserves to be ahead of Carra....

[stringvest]

No shout for Luis Garcia for his important goals on the was to numero cinco.  He scored six in the CL that year and had a strike rate of one in four in total (in all comps).

 

Carra surely deserves higher than 19th also.

 

no chance - we've been blessed with a lot of fantastic players over the years; the likes of Garcia are nowhere near the top 50.

[Guest Numero Veinticinco]

Garcia should be there if Sturridge is, in my view. Anyway, I think it's a shit list by a shitcunt.

[JohnnyH]

no chance - we've been blessed with a lot of fantastic players over the years; the likes of Garcia are nowhere near the top 50.

 

Probably not even top 100.  I love the little fella but his ability to sky a ball over the bar from a low cross was quite amazing.  Scored some gret goals, but that's about it.

[Kevin D]

This thread is a disgrace.

[Byrnie]

Does Gerrard get first place because he consistently lost his head in big games?

Edit - Fuck it, doesn't deserve a response.

[Stickman]

As much as I liked Henchoz , Larry Lloyd should be in ahead of him, played every game of the 73 double winning season and scored in the UEFA cup final, and when he left was one of the few if only player who went on to greater sucess when he left us.

But the main thing he was a better footballer

[bouncebrigade]

Who would you have him ahead of?

 

That's always the question I end up asking myself with these.  I look at a player and think he should be higher, but then look at who's ahead of the player and usually find myself agreeing, or certainly less certain if they should be higher.

 

I'd argue that Hyypia deserves to be ahead of Carra....

 

Yeah fair point.  There's a few on the list that I've never seen play so I can't really say if they deserve it or not.

[stringvest]

As much as I liked Henchoz , Larry Lloyd should be in ahead of him, played every game of the 73 double winning season and scored in the UEFA cup final, and when he left was one of the few if only player who went on to greater sucess when he left us.

But the main thing he was a better footballer

 

Lloyd is a great shout - he was as commanding as Yeats, yet could play a bit.  I'd have him in with Henchoz, who was himself a fantastic defender/goalkeeper.

[bouncebrigade]

no chance - we've been blessed with a lot of fantastic players over the years; the likes of Garcia are nowhere near the top 50.

 

Tell the truth, you just don't like sangria.

[stringvest]

Tell the truth, you just don't like sangria.

 

I love Sangria darling.  Many a happy afternoon knocking jugs of it back.  Just didn't think Luis was that great.  Like Benayoun.  Too inconsistent.  

[torahboy]

Has he forgotten our great League winning captains - Alex Raisbeck ((1901 and 1906), Ephraim Longworth (!922 and 1923) ?  Two absolute defensive legends. I mean, if he is including Elisha Scot and Gordon Hodgson. he can make a good case for two more from our illustrious and fascinating past.

[lifetime fan]

I agree with the personnel in the top 5 but would swap the top 2 around.

 

I also think Henchoz is very lucky to make a top 50.

[Ginny]

I never seen much of Stevie Highway as was before my time but I would have thought from what I've heard he should be higher than 33?

[Jairzinho]

 

I also think Henchoz is very lucky to make a top 50.

 

It's interesting looking at the list, it essentially says that Henchoz is the third best centreback to play for us in the last 20 years. Is that right? Probably, in terms of what they've done for the club, rather than actual ability. 

[lifetime fan]

It's interesting looking at the list, it essentially says that Henchoz is the third best centreback to play for us in the last 20 years. Is that right? Probably, in terms of what they've done for the club, rather than actual ability.

If Bascombe is going as far back as Elisha Scott then Henchiz should never be in a top 50 players.

 

As much as I loved the rush back keeper.

[Jairzinho]

If Bascombe is going as far back as Elisha Scott then Henchiz should never be in a top 50 players.

 

As much as I loved the rush back keeper.

 

I think I probably agree. Stringers would be best placed to know.

[Lario]

Alonso?

 

Great player most of the time. But he was also pretty bad for a good while. So much so, we couldn't sell him for around £12m at the time.

 

Coincidentally his form picked up when Real Madrid were rumoured to be in for him.

[Bjornebye]

Alonso fully deserves to be on that list. One of the most graceful footballers I've seen in a red shirt.

 

Sturridge shouldn't be anywhere near the top 50. yet.