Defining Liverpool’s greatest players is a task that usually ends in heated pub debates.
When a club has won six European Cups and 20 league titles, the talent pool is naturally quite wide. So, when a man who actually lifted those trophies — legendary captain Phil Thompson — names his definitive Top 10, you take notice.
Having played under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, Thompson’s standards for “greatness” are rooted in an era of Liverpool dominance.
Despite the trophies won under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, the former Reds captain avoids recency bias in his rankings. In fact, in a top 10 filled with European Cup winners and record-breakers, Mohamed Salah is the only current player who gets in.
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Phil Thompson’s greatest Liverpool players
Before diving into the Top 10 as featured on Liverpool’s X account, Thompson offered some honorable mentions: Graeme Souness, Robbie Fowler, Virgil van Dijk, Phil Neal, and Ian Callaghan.
Those names missing out just shows how packed with talent this list of Liverpool’s greatest players going to be. Thompson provided a short reasoning for each.
10. Luis Suarez
“So exciting, what a great player he was.” The Uruguayan’s peak at Anfield remains one of the most explosive individual stretches in Premier League history.
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9. Kevin Keegan
“When you needed a star, when you needed a hero, Kevin was there.” The original superstar of the 70s who paved the way for the dominance that followed.
8. Ray Clemence
“What a goalkeeper, still the greatest goalkeeper that I think played for Liverpool.” A wall behind the defense during the club’s initial European conquests.
7. Alan Hansen
“One of the best defenders I’ve ever seen, next to Bobby Moore—what an accolade that is.” Hansen brought a ball-playing elegance to the backline that was decades ahead of its time.
6. Mo Salah
Mo Salah celebrates scoring for Liverpool
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“Yes, he’s got to be in it. Present day, still playing, but Mo Salah has ripped it up with so many records.” The Egyptian King is the lone representative of the current era, and a deserved inclusion.
5. Roger Hunt
“This is one of my favorites. This is my personal hero as a young boy. 285 goals in 492 appearances.” A World Cup winner and a goal-machine for Bill Shankly.
4. Ian Rush
“346 goals. Has got to be in the top four.” Liverpool’s all-time record goalscorer whose predatory instincts were unparalleled.
3. John Barnes
“Absolutely sensational. I just loved it—gliding through, beating players, so exciting, won trophies, longevity.” In his prime, Barnes was arguably the most gifted player in the world.
2. Steven Gerrard
“Carried the team for so many years. Absolutely different class at times.” The ultimate captain who produced miracles when the team needed them most.
1. Kenny Dalglish
Sir Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool during the LFC Foundation charity match at Anfield.
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“No.1 has to be Kenny Dalglish. I just think again, longevity, winning things, but excitement—as I said about Luis Suarez, but this fella did it for years.” A deserved winner. No one can match the legend of King Kenny.
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