While he has a reputation for being one of the hardest players in British football history, Graeme Souness was also a supremely gifted individual. The Scot, widely remembered for his time at Liverpool, left a lasting impression on those who watched him play.
Along with his time at Anfield, Souness spent time at Middlesbrough and Rangers, even travelling overseas and spending two years of his career at Italian side Sampdoria. Playing for so many clubs meant that the midfielder was able to learn from some of football's best, something which benefited him as a player and later on as a manager.
But when it came to the coaches that he played under, one man stood out for Souness like a sore thumb. His time on Merseyside saw him play under the legendary Bob Paisley, whom Souness reserved special praise for.
Souness' Praise for Paisley
Manager's helped bring incredible success to Liverpool
Bob Paisley - iconic Liverpool manager
Inheriting the reigns at Anfield from Bill Shankley, widely regarded as the greatest Liverpool manager of all-time, was no easy feat for Paisley. But, having impressed supporters as a player by helping the Reds win a First Division title in the 1946/47 season, the Englishman created a managerial legacy that was even more special.
Paisley was Liverpool's manager for nine years and was responsible for one of the most successful periods in their history. Lifting six league titles and three European Cups during that time, the head coach ultimately collected 20 pieces of silverware during his tenure.
He also had an eye for talent, something which ultimately led to Souness' arrival at the club in 1978. But the thing which stuck out for the Scot was Paisley's ability to judge players, something which impacted recruitment and also man-management. Souness believed that other manager had that same eye.
"The best judge of a player I have ever seen”
In a separate interview, Souness stated once again that Paisley's ability to spot the details was incredible, allowing him not only to judge which players would suit his Liverpool side, but also to see where other teams could be beaten. He said, "He had the most ridiculous football knowledge. Not in a tactical way, but in an ability to see which players would fit his team best and to see where another team’s weaknesses lay.
"What was his secret? He got the best players and put them together."
Dalglish: Paisley was 'the Greatest of Them All'
Manager signed the forward in 1977
Souness is certainly not wrong that Paisley had an eye for talent. The Liverpool dynasty he built was truly something to behold, with Alan Hansen, Souness, Ian Rush, Mark Lawrenson and Kenny Dalglish all recruited by him.
The latter was signed in 1977 as the replacement for Kevin Keegan, who had expressed a desire to leave the club. Although he was one of Liverpool's greatest ever players, it's a testament to Paisley's management skills that he realised it was best for the Reds if they moved on.
In the end, switching from Keegan to Dalglish proved to be something of a masterstroke, as the new man up top went on to become one of the most iconic players in the club's history. Scorer of 172 goals, 'King Kenny' lifted six league titles and three European Cups while at Anfield. When asked about Paisley, he said that he owed him more than anyone else.
"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all… He was never boastful but had great football knowledge.
"I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game. There will never be another like him."