The Greatest Liverpool players (64/65 – 91/92) Part II
Article by Shaun
The second in this instalment highlights the players that for many could or should have been in the initial side, giving more information on these former greats. We will also take a brief look at some of the greats who just missed the cut.
As a reminder the initial side was:
Goal keeper – Ray Clemence
Right Back – Steve Nicol
Left Back – Alan Kennedy
Centre Back – Alan Hansen
Centre Back – Tommy Smith
Midfield – Graeme Souness
Midfield – John Barnes
Midfield – Ian Callaghan
Forward – Ian Rush
Forward – Kenny Dalglish
Forward – Roger Hunt
BRUCE GROBBELAAR was a keeper who divided opinion, on one hand he was a keeper with fantastic reflexes, agility and footwork, the original sweeper keeper, who on more than one occassion would be found on the half way line beating a striker to the ball. However, he was prone to some real howlers. That said he played 628 times for LFC, conceding 534 times and keeping 268 clean sheets, not too bad. He also amassed 13 trophies during his time with the club, however his most memorable moment came in 1984 during the European Cup Final penalty shootout. Joe Fagan (Manager) told him to try and put Roma off, however what looked like Grobbelaar messing about, was actually calculated, he targeted the 2 Italians, Conti and Graziani to pull his wobbly legs trick, it worked, they missed, we won. Represented his country a total of 33 times, which given his ability was too low.
PHIL NEAL fills this spot, he could easily have been first or third, however he is our all time record holder for trophies with a massive 18, including 8 titles and 4 European Cups (Champions League). Played a massive 417 consecutive games, even a broken cheek bone and a broken toe couldn’t stop the man, he just wore a bigger boot and got it plastered. He finally missed 3 games, only to return and play a further 127 games. An elegant player who got forward on a regular basis. Playing a total of 650 times for LFC he scored an impressive 59 goals, although many of these came down to his calmness in taking penalties, scoring 38. He also represented England on 50 occasions, maintaining his scoring record with 5 goals.
ALEC LINDSAY is almost the player that never was, after joining the club by mistake, Shankly had bought the wrong player. However, after a difficult start and a request to leave the club, Lindsay finally got his chance albeit by luck, but he took it. A natural right footed player, he got asked to cover at Left Back, and the rest as they say is history, playing an impressive 248 times and scoring 18 goals, even though he was right footed, he had a thunderous left foot shot.
EMLYN HUGHES was a personality that divided opinion, even among his managers and team mates, Shankly loved him, Paisley did not, and don’t even mention his name to Tommy Smith. However his talent could not be overlooked, as comfortable in midfield as he was in defence, he played 62 times for England, scoring once, he also put on the red of Liverpool 657 times, scoring 48 times, and some were pearlers from outside the box, think Daniel Agger. He won a total of 11 trophies during his 12 years with the club, and his energy, stamina and enthusiasm was never in doubt. Known as Crazy Horse by the Anfield faithful after he rugby tackled Albert Bennett to prevent a possible goal, an instant hero.
MARK LAWRENSON was a cool customer, elegant on the ball and could steal the ball from the opposition without them knowing. His career was cruelly cut short with an Achilles injury, but not before he had helped Liverpool win 10 trophies, and form one of the best central partnership’s alongside Alan Hansen that world football has ever seen. He played 356 times for the reds, scoring on 18 occasions.
STEVE HEIGHWAY was a beautiful player, graceful on the ball, able to avoid the body splitting tackles of the 70’s and cross the ball at pace. A credit to him was that John Barnes was sometimes referred to as Tarmac, a compliment to being a Black Steve Heighway. An intelligent but fiery Irishman he played a total of 475 for LFC, scoring 76 goals, he also represented his country on 34 occasions.
TERRY MCDERMOTT could and maybe should have been in the initial team. Played 329 for the mighty reds, scoring an impressive 81 goals. He helped us win 11 trophies, as well as winning both the FWA and PFA awards in 1980. An energetic player, yet calm on the ball, he was always ready with the spectacular, winning the 1977 goal of the season award with a beauty in the FA Cup Semi Final against Everton. As with many Liverpool players of the 60’s through to the 80’s his ability was never fully utilized by his country, where he only played 25 times for England, scoring on 3 occasions.
RONNIE WHELAN was another player who had to be patient before getting his chance, but when he did, what a player. Had a great football brain, and was able to adapt his game when injury affected his mobility. Paisley said about him as “There’s our man for the Big Occasion” and that was clear with the curling beauty he put past Manchester United in the 83 League Cup Final, and against the same team in the 85 FA Cup Semi Final. Although 4 years of injuries finally finished him, Whelan has still played for his country 53 times, scoring 3, and played a total of 493 for LFC, scoring an impressive 73 goals, helping us towards 12 trophies
KEVIN KEEGAN was the original pocket dynamo, and not surprisingly known as Mighty Mouse. Keegan was a grafter, but his skill on the ball should never be overlooked. His fighting spirit was always on show, highlighted by his fist fight during the Charity Shield match in 74. However he scored a highly impressive 100 goals in 323 LFC appearances and formed a fantastic partnership with John Toshack. His energy was also there, playing a massive 61 games in one season. He won 7 trophies with LFC along with the FWA in 1976, however he is one of those players who still achieved after his days in red. Keegan won 2 European Player of the year with SC Hamburg, as well as becoming the top scorer in England upon his return. His England record was also consistent, 21 goals in 63 games.
IAN ST JOHN was short tempered genius from Scotland. Never one to back down, even though a 5ft 7 he was up against some big lads. Was good in the air, fast, strong, tricky and brave as you’d expect a Scotsman to be, scoring a hat trick on his debut. Was the player that spearheaded the change for Liverpool from wannabes to haves. I’ll admit to only seeing bits of The Saint, but think Sergio Aguero and you’ll have a bit of an idea.
JOHN ALDRIDGE was probably one of the most unlucky players in LFC history. Coming in to replace the Legend that was Ian Rush, Aldo played 104 times for the club, scoring a mightely impressive 63 goals, only to lose his place in the team when Rushie returned, he left to continue scoring for Real Sociedad. However in his 2 and a half season he won 2 trophies. Also was an out and out fox in the box, clever, held the ball up well, but ultimately he knew where the goals was. Passionate, which was clear to see in the WORLD CUP FINAL’s where he nearly killed the linesman, but his record of 19 goals in 69 games for his country highlighted his ability.
Here are a few lines on players that just missed out
CHRIS LAWLER was the original attacking full back, who could and possibly should have been placed 1st, such is his ability. Known as the Silent Knight, because of the quiet manner he went about his job, Lawler played 549 for LFC, 316 of those consecutively, but what was more impressive is his tally of 61 goals in open play, statistically our most potent fullback EVER!
RON YEATS was an early Shankly buy, and helped push us to the next level, if he had been 10 years younger then could have pushed for the greatest teams, played a total of 484, scoring 16 times, a Goliath of a defender.
GARY GILLESPIE was very much in the Alan Hansen mould of defending, tall, elegant and rarely caught out. Contributed with 16 goals during the 214 games he played.
RAY HOUGHTON was a clever and busy player, a right Irish Terrier from Scotland (there’s a player they missed out on). Scored 38 goals in 202 games. Lost out to Souness being too quick to release players, he was only 30 when he moved to Villa.
RAY KENNEDY started life as a Centre Forward for Arsenal, he started there for LFC, but experiencing a difficult time in front of goal he was transformed into a midfield general. Powerful on the ball with an eye for a good pass. He was Shankly’s last buy.
SAMMY LEE was a local boy who was ran on attitude and enthusiasm, at only 5ft 4, he was fearless. Always put the team before himself, and it’s always good to have a Scouse in the House.
JIMMY CASE was missed off my initial list, but how. Had a thunderbolt of a shot, scoring an impressive 46 in 269 games. Another local lad who knew what it meant to play for the shirt.
JAN MOLBY was built more like a sumo wrestler than a footballer, but what a footballer, he could pass, play Sweeper through to No10, was a cultured player with a thunderous shot from either foot. However, his trump card was from the penalty spot, scoring 42 from 45.
CRAIG JOHNSON was a brilliant player, but a fantastic person. He knew his limitations, and all too often he didn’t realize his gift, but this Aussie (born in South Africa but grew up in Australia) would give 100% every time he stepped on to the pitch. Family circumstances cut short his career but not without the highs of scoring in 86 FA Cup Final and playing in the 84 European Cup victory. 40 goals in 271 games is a good return, but what makes Johnson a legend is the fact he helped raise £40k in his own country for the families of the Hillsborough disaster, but he also flew half way around the world to attend the memorial service 7 days after, and stayed on to provide counselling for the bereaved families.
JOHN TOSHACK formed a fantastic partnership with Kevin Keegan which helped the Weshman score 96 goals in 247 games for the Reds. He won 7 trophies with LFC but was plagued by injury.
DAVID JOHNSON was a good professional with a 1 in 3 goal record. Had to wait to get in the team, but with the arrival of Ian Rush he was soon to go, but his 8 seasons saw the boyhood Liverpool fan pick up 8 trophies.
DAVID FAIRCLOUGH was the original Super Sub, which in some ways was a little harsh, but he had a great habit of coming off the bench and making the difference with important goals. His goal record of 37 in 92 starts in good, but it was the 18 from 62 apperances from the subs bench that people remember, because they made the difference. He played 8 seasons, but 154 games on the whole is low, but his name will do down in Liverpool history.
PETER BEARDSLEY was brought in for a then club record fee, and although he could be a genius with the ball at his feet it was Barnes who stole the lime light. Always a team player who sacrificed his own glory for the team (Ask Gary Lineker), as a second striker his rate was very good, 59 in 175 for Liverpool and 117 in 321 for Newcastle. A real gem of a player.
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