It's an extremely difficult task trying to pick Liverpool's greatest ever XI, especially given the sheer volume of fantastic players in the club's glorious history. In my personal greatest XI, skill and leadership ability are the defining characteristics, and I believe that the side I've chosen would pulverise any team in world football - past or present.
This is my LFC dream team.
Manager - Bill Shankly
Assistant Manager - Bob Paisley
Captain - Graeme Souness
Vice Captain - Kenny Dalglish
Formation: 4-1-3-1-1
------------------------ Bruce Grobelaar
Steve Nicol --- Tommy Smith --- Alan Hansen --- Alan Kennedy
---------------------- Graeme Souness (c)
Billy Liddell -------- Peter Beardsley ---------- John Barnes
------------------- Kenny Dalglish
--------------------------- Ian Rush
Substitutes:
Ray Clemence
Kevin Keegan
This is my LFC dream team.
Manager - Bill Shankly
Assistant Manager - Bob Paisley
Captain - Graeme Souness
Vice Captain - Kenny Dalglish
Formation: 4-1-3-1-1
------------------------ Bruce Grobelaar
Steve Nicol --- Tommy Smith --- Alan Hansen --- Alan Kennedy
---------------------- Graeme Souness (c)
Billy Liddell -------- Peter Beardsley ---------- John Barnes
------------------- Kenny Dalglish
--------------------------- Ian Rush
Substitutes:
Ray Clemence
Kevin Keegan
Sami Hyypia
Robbie Fowler
Terry McDermott
Emlyn Hughes
John Aldridge
Steve McMahon
My preferred formations would be 4-1-3-1-1 or 4-3-3, and the players I have chosen could play either of those formation with ease.
Just imagine the skill, technique and creativity of Barnes, Beardsley, Dalglish and Liddell in the same team - it would be an absolute joy to watch!
The sheer creative genius on display would lay waste to the most stubborn of defences, and if there's one thing you can guarantee about this team, it's goals; and lots of them.
From defence right through to attack, this team is bursting with goalscorers. Steve Nicol and Alan Kennedy got their fair share of goals from defence, and with Barnes, Liddell, Dalglish and Beardsley feeding Rush and scoring themselves, the goalscoring possibilities are endless.
At the heart of the defence, Alan Hansen is obviously an automatic inclusion, but I agonized over who should partner him: Mark Lawrenson or Tommy Smith.
In terms of partnerships, Lawrenson would be the obvious choice, but I just could not leave a player like Tommy Smith out of the team. He was the Jamie Carragher of his day - a homegrown, fiercly competitive lionheart who embodied everything about Liverpool FC. He was also a rough, man-mountain of a defender - the perfect foil for the grace and elegance of Alan Hansen.
At the heart of this team is Graeme Souness, Liverpool's greatest ever midfielder and Captain. Souness is a proper midfield leader: tough, creative, intelligent, fearsome, vocal and a superb, respected leader. Basically, everything Steven Gerrard *should* be as Liverpool captain.
Some people may argue that in midfield, this team would be defensively lacking, but I would disagree. Souness is good enough to own the defensive side of midfield himself, and the defensive capabilities of the attacking players in the team should not be underestimated.
Liverpool teams of the past never needed two central midfielders babysitting the creative players; The idea of having two holding midfielders is a purely modern phenomenon, which is indicative of the regrettable move towards a more cautious, negative style of football. As the saying goes though - defend as a team and attack as a team.
My belief is that you should always play to attack, so creating a team that will scare the opposition with its creative genius is the priority. Worrying about how to stop the other team scoring is negative and counter productive. Let the *opposition* worry about *you*, and I submit that this side would scare the living daylights out of *any* team.
This team would attack from the start, utilising its creative genius in the pursuit of one goal: setting out to win every game by scoring as many goals as possible.
And if things were not going to plan, or more defensive solidity was required, then one of the attacking players could be replaced by Steve McMahon or Emlyn Hughes.
First and foremost though, this team is set up to play football the Liverpool way: pass and move, keep the ball, keep it simple. Positive, proactive and fearing no one.
Finally, the most important quality of this team is strength of character and leadership ability. There are leaders all over the field in this squad: Hansen, Hughes, Rush, Souness, Dalglish, Barnes, Liddell and Smith all Captained Liverpool at some point. In terms of personal integrity and professionalism, this squad of players puts modern Liverpool footballers to shame.
Robbie Fowler
Terry McDermott
Emlyn Hughes
John Aldridge
Steve McMahon
My preferred formations would be 4-1-3-1-1 or 4-3-3, and the players I have chosen could play either of those formation with ease.
Just imagine the skill, technique and creativity of Barnes, Beardsley, Dalglish and Liddell in the same team - it would be an absolute joy to watch!
The sheer creative genius on display would lay waste to the most stubborn of defences, and if there's one thing you can guarantee about this team, it's goals; and lots of them.
From defence right through to attack, this team is bursting with goalscorers. Steve Nicol and Alan Kennedy got their fair share of goals from defence, and with Barnes, Liddell, Dalglish and Beardsley feeding Rush and scoring themselves, the goalscoring possibilities are endless.
At the heart of the defence, Alan Hansen is obviously an automatic inclusion, but I agonized over who should partner him: Mark Lawrenson or Tommy Smith.
In terms of partnerships, Lawrenson would be the obvious choice, but I just could not leave a player like Tommy Smith out of the team. He was the Jamie Carragher of his day - a homegrown, fiercly competitive lionheart who embodied everything about Liverpool FC. He was also a rough, man-mountain of a defender - the perfect foil for the grace and elegance of Alan Hansen.
At the heart of this team is Graeme Souness, Liverpool's greatest ever midfielder and Captain. Souness is a proper midfield leader: tough, creative, intelligent, fearsome, vocal and a superb, respected leader. Basically, everything Steven Gerrard *should* be as Liverpool captain.
Some people may argue that in midfield, this team would be defensively lacking, but I would disagree. Souness is good enough to own the defensive side of midfield himself, and the defensive capabilities of the attacking players in the team should not be underestimated.
Liverpool teams of the past never needed two central midfielders babysitting the creative players; The idea of having two holding midfielders is a purely modern phenomenon, which is indicative of the regrettable move towards a more cautious, negative style of football. As the saying goes though - defend as a team and attack as a team.
My belief is that you should always play to attack, so creating a team that will scare the opposition with its creative genius is the priority. Worrying about how to stop the other team scoring is negative and counter productive. Let the *opposition* worry about *you*, and I submit that this side would scare the living daylights out of *any* team.
This team would attack from the start, utilising its creative genius in the pursuit of one goal: setting out to win every game by scoring as many goals as possible.
And if things were not going to plan, or more defensive solidity was required, then one of the attacking players could be replaced by Steve McMahon or Emlyn Hughes.
First and foremost though, this team is set up to play football the Liverpool way: pass and move, keep the ball, keep it simple. Positive, proactive and fearing no one.
Finally, the most important quality of this team is strength of character and leadership ability. There are leaders all over the field in this squad: Hansen, Hughes, Rush, Souness, Dalglish, Barnes, Liddell and Smith all Captained Liverpool at some point. In terms of personal integrity and professionalism, this squad of players puts modern Liverpool footballers to shame.
13 Comments - Disagree? Add your comment!:
no gerrard? surely at least on the bench
keegan is stiff to miss out on the XI
Hi Torres9. Steven Gerrard is not good enough to mix it with the players in my best XI. Where would he fit in anyway? In central midfield? Gerrard has never formed a successful partnership with *anyone* for club or country. Add onto that his positional and tactical indiscipline, how would he fit in? He creates imbalance in teams, who then have to endlessly change formations and personnel just so he can function effectively. In any event, why would I need Gerrard in central midfield when I have Graeme Souness?
When it comes to further up the field, I have the likes of Dalglish, Barnes, Beardsley and Liddell - arguably the most devastatingly creative quartet in LFC history. Gerrard plays higher up the field in the current team but would I have him in place of any of those 4 masters? Absolutely no way in hell!
As for being a sub, forget about it. Gerrard is just not my type of player or person. Anyway, the mere fact he threatened to go to Chelsea *twice* disqualifies him from the greatest ever team IMO, and I would have the same view if Dalglish, Souness or anyone else acted in a similar manner.
The players I have chosen are not just great players; they are strong, mentally tough characters with the unshakeable, lionhearted winning mentality that has made Liverpool one of the world's most successful clubs.
Gerrard's negativity, selfishness, ridiculous public comments and general arrogance don't just fit into this team. In today’s shallow, artificial world, it’s obvious why so many fans love Gerrard – he represents them; He is just like them, which is why so many fans don’t give his behaviour a second though. To them, it’s *normal*, which is perhaps the most worrying thing of all.
Give me old school Liverpool players any day. These are the players who built Liverpool into the world force it is today and these are the genuine giants of the club.
I’d be interested to know what your best ever XI is ;-)
"the mere fact he threatened to go to Chelsea *twice* disqualifies him from the greatest ever team IMO"
You do realise that other members of your squad actually did leave the club looking to further their careers don't you?
Rush, Souness and Keegan all left when they still had plenty to offer - the fact that they went abroad is irrelevant as that was merely down to the time they were playing and our status at that point.
Of course its up to you, its your team but to leave out a player who has single handedly carried us to relative success through some difficult times seems a glaring ommission.
Your dislike of Gerrard seems to have a lot to do with what you THINK he is like as a person. Does this matter so much? And do you think every player you have selected is a lovely guy?
Jaimie's team would certainly be formidable opponents. However, I wouldn't pick Liddell as I never saw him myself, and would only be ready to vouch for players I saw with my own eyes. Yes, Keegan did a bunk to Hamburg after winning the European Cup which still rankles with some supporters. Personally, I'd put Gerrard in for Liddell. Some of Jaimie's criticisms are valid, but I believe what Jaimie calls Gerrard's "tactical indiscipline" is a product of his free role in the team. I get the impression that Rafa doesn't love Gerrard as a person--but he clearly appreciates his contribution as a player. The assist to Kuyt in the Arsenal game was masterful and I think this is the way Gerrard prefers to set an example for the team--with his football. Carragher is the shouter who will get on everybody's case.
R - Thanks for your comments. My view of Steven Gerrard has nothing to do with what I think he's like as a person - I'm sure he's a loverly guy in his personal life, but I'm not interested in that. My view of him comes *solely* from the way he has acted in connection with Liverpool.
You can't seriously compare the departures of Keegan, Souness and Rush with Gerrard's flirtations with Chelsea! It's not about wanting to leave, it's about the manner and the timing.
Keegan, Souness and Rush all left on good terms and with the blessing of the club and the fans. When I say that, I mean there was no recrimination, public threats or 'Im bigger than the club' arrogance. Keegan let everyone know way ahead of time that he was going and he went out with a bang. Souness and Rush played their part and left on good terms. All three went abroad. not to rival teams in the league.
Also, those three were much older than gerrard when they decided to leave. Gerrard was in his early 20s, had just been made captain of the club AND had repeatedly stated publicly how he loved the club and was loyal etc. Chelsea come knocking and they turn his head. Twice.
There is 360 degrees of difference between Gerrard and the three players you mention, and I feel its trite for me to even point out the differences considering how obvious they are. I could write at length about it, and I probably will in an article at some point.
Anyway, as I stated in my comment above, I have not included Gerrard in my team because in my view, there are better players that get in the team ahead of him. He is not a better central mid than Souness, he is not a better winger than Barnes or Liddell, he is not a better link man than Beardo or Dalglish, and he is not a better striker than Rushie!
There is no space for him in my best XI. In any event, if for some reason these players were not available, Gerrard still wouldn't get into my team because he has no position! He's a jack of all trades who does not excel in any one position. Consequently, he unbalances the team, cannot form effective partnerships in the centre and the entire has to be set-up to play to his strengths.
When this happens, he is the focal point of the team, and if he doesn't play well, the team suffers.
I don't want that.
Liverpool have never had to adapt their entire formation and style of play just to suit ONE player. I hate the idea of it and I hate the way it's implemented in the current Liverpool team.
John - I see your point about Liddell. I have only seen video footage of him play, but I have read pretty much everything that's ever been published about him, plus player accounts, and based on what I know of him, I feel he warrants a place in the team. Plus, like me, he's a Scot, so I just had to get another one in there ;-)
Liddell was a specialist winger and could operate with equal effect on the right or the left. There's no way I would put Gerrard in his place, especially since he is not a specialist winger.
I feel you have to have aces in their places, and that means specialists in every position. The players I've chosed are specialists in their positions. Gerrard is not a specialist in any position, though some will of course argue that he's a specialist in central midfield.
My response to that is, if it's true, how he never plays there for England or Liverpool? If he really is a world class, specialist central mid, surely he would play there?
I'd be interested to see your best ever XI ;-) If you want to write an article on it, please do!
I would be quite happy to go with your xi Jaimie--with that one change already mentioned. Possibly, Torres will force his way in their soon.
Interesting, Personally id make a few changes to the team and they would be:
First XI
Fernando Torres - Ian Rush
Chris Lawler - Steve Nicol
Steve McMahon - Peter Beardsley
Steven Gerrard - Andy Liddel
Substitutes
Ray Clemence
Jamie Carragher
Sami Hyypia
Emlyn Hughes
Peter Beardsley
Ian Rush
Robbie Fowler
The main reason for those changes are simply that I prefer 2 solid central midfielders in the centre that means Beardos ejection.
Steven Gerrard, even though hes not an orthodox winger is highly effective there and is a proven match winner.
I believe Fernando Torres is the most gifted player weve had since Kenny Dalglish too and a legend in the making, also I think the two of them together with thier intelligence, skill and movement would be the scariest partnership ever!
I'm a huge fan of Chris Lawler too, one of the most underrated players ever to pull on a reds shirt (i may be biased cos i know him, and a gem of a person he is too)
Keegan wouldnt make my squad simply because of his goalscoring record, which over his time at liverpool, was mediocre. Similar to Mark Hughes for United, didnt score many goals, but scored good and important ones.
I'd have carragher in any great liverpool squad, simply because he apitomises everything i look for in a player; Courage, Determination, loyalty and a Scouse Accent!
In a nutshell, I think the team you selected has bags of attacking talent in it, but I think they would be weak physically, and not great at defending the 3-0 lead they would have after 20 mins :)
Some good choices tho!
OMFG cant believe i did that! Billy Liddell not andy liddell ffs! even tho he is his grandson :) and maybe id swap Roger Hunt for Fowler! just maybe :)
Nice choices 2ruered. I'm also a big fan of Steve McMahon, and I would love to have him in the first XI, but there's just no room!
I take your point about my team possibly having a defensive weakness. It's possible, but I just think that with such attacking flair on display, it's less of a problem, and when the team is winning, one of the attacking players could come off and be replaced by Emlyn Hghes or McMahon, who are both great defensively but also provide something in attack too.
I have to disagree with you re Torres - no way is he more gifted than John Barnes or Peter Beardsley. And in terms of natural goalscoring ability, I would argue that mid 90s Robbie Fowler is ahead of Torres. I could never drop Ian Rush from the team - he will always be my first choice Striker.
I do admit though that a Torres/Dalglish partnership does seem like a match made in heaven.
I can understand why you would choose Gerrard for his match-winning effectiveness, but I don't see how playing a non-specialist right winger as a right winger is good for the team. I'd rather have someone who's a specialist and actually likes playing in the position.
Nice to see you have Sami Hyppia in your squad! My current favourite player, and I hope he stays for another year.
I understand what youre saying about Torres/Fowler/Rush, im a fan of pacey strikers tho and its something that Torres has in abundance, as opposed to Fowler and Rush, whos quickness was in thier heads. As regards to his talent, ill have to disagree on the barnes/beardsley/torres thing, i really do believe, with the right partner in attack, he could become our greatest ever player.
With regards to gerrard, i personally think at this moment in time, he is the best "all round" player on the planet. Jack of all trades sounds a bit disrespectful, but i know what your trying to say. With him im your team, you have a player who is capable of playing anywhere on the pitch, and i personally always like to have at least one player with those characteristics, its a tactical luxury:) (sounds strange that, gerrard and tactical, in the same sentence) United have both rooney and ronaldo who are capable of playing in 3 or 4 different roles. Thats the only downfall of having specialists in each position, if you need to alter formation quickly, you are resricted with what roles your players are capable of playing.
But each to thier own :)
Jaimie, thanks for your reply and I do see your points even if I don't agree.
The age point I take on board in Souness's case. He was in his 30s when he left so noone could really begrudge him the chance to move on and face a new challenge. In Rush and Keegan's case this does not work out so well as they were both only about 25/26 when they left. A similar age to Gerrard was.
So for them I would argue that it as a lot to do with circumstance. Keegan left when we were European Champions, League Champions and the best team around. And though I believe the fans weren't too happy at the time fate dealt him a helping hand by the fact that the man who replaced him became possibly our greatest ever player!
With Rush it was a similar story in some ways in that we had a great team and were successful at the time. The fact that we were banned from Europe I think made fans more understanding of the fact that players would want to move abroad, as there really was something that we could not offer which they could get only by leaving.
Gerrard, however, was in a more difficult position. We weren't a great team and we weren't doing well in the league. However it was felt that him leaving would prevent us improving our situation, which as captain and lifelong fan was seen as a betrayal by some.
Its very easy to leave a club that wins everything and is packed with great players. Its more difficult to leave a club that is relatively successful but doesn't have a lot of great players apart from you!
As for the destination, this is down to timing only. Rush and Keegan would have no reason to leave for another English team. We were the best and they had won everything here anyway.
Your opinions on Gerrard the player - as I said before, fair enough. I am not going to criticise your team as this is your opinion
Thanks
R
Hi Jaimie,
Nice xi, wouldn't it be great to see a team like that now, with players who could actually pass the ball for more than twenty seconds!
I have to say I agree with you about Gerrard. He's a fine player but we still have to wonder what his position is. Certainly he's not a central midfielder (won't or can't do the work) and he's definitely not good enough to displace Kenny as a link player. It amazes me how so many fans can have such short memories, how the likes of Gerrard (and Carraigher for that matter) can be so highly rated on all these internet poles, greatest players of all time lists etc. Yes, they are good players, but come on!
Also, as far as Torres taking Rush's place, I'll hold judgement until he's actually proved himself. There have been plenty of flash-in-the-pan players who have turned in one good season over the years. I really hope he's in for the long haul. So far, he looks a great prospect, but Rushie was a phenomenon (and I seem to recall that he had more than pace for most defenders ...).
A couple of names I'd throw into the hat for consideration would be Phil Neal and Jan Molby. Just not sure who I'd leave out.
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