Although nowadays, Graeme Souness is known as an outspoken, potentially controversial pundit, back in his heyday as a professional footballer, he was nothing short of elite. Playing the majority of his football at Liverpool, the Scotsman encountered a plethora of greats during his career.
Discussing some of the best players from Britain, Souness brought up an English icon who is the 'standard-bearer' for English footballers, something that is hard to disagree with.
Souness was just as feisty on the pitch as he was reviewing the game from the sidelines. Operating in the middle of the park, Souness' 21-year career saw him play for the likes of Liverpool, Rangers, Sampdoria and Middlesbrough. In addition to managing the first two teams on that list, among others, Souness' footballing CV is remarkable.
Having won a handful of European Cups, First Division titles, and even a Coppa Italia, the Scottish international is well-versed in discussing the greats of his era. Discussing British players who have played abroad, Souness, in 2024, revealed that Kevin Keegan is the standard-bearer for English footballers, waxing lyrical about the former Liverpool man.
Graeme Souness Praises Kevin Keegan as English Great
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The list of English talents to have played the game is endless. With some reaching the highest of heights and winning the Ballon d'Or, like Michael Owen, others write themselves in the history books through iconic on-field achievements. However, this isn't just in the Premier League, as many have tried and succeeded in making the leap abroad.
With the Bellingham brothers, Jude and Jobe, and the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all playing their football elsewhere, when Graeme Souness was playing the beautiful game, British players abroad were few and far between.
With Souness himself having taken his talents to Italy, others in his generation, like Liam Brady, also took to foreign soil. However, discussing British greats who have played abroad, Souness made sure to give Kevin Keegan his flowers, claiming him to be one of the hardest-working footballers ever.
“Kevin Keegan would embarrass team-mates with his work ethic and never-say-die attitude. He was a standard-bearer for English footballers and worked incredibly hard to make the best of his talent. Gareth Bale is one of the most talented footballers I've ever seen. It's just a shame he didn't have Keegan's attitude, because if he did he would still be at Real Madrid today winning trophies."
Kevin Keegan - Hamburg
Keegan, a legend as a player and a manager, is a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, an accolade only nine other players have achieved. Beginning his career in 1968, the Doncaster-born forward enjoyed a 27-year-long playing career in which he played for the likes of Liverpool, Hamburger SV, and Scunthorpe United, among others.
Finishing his playing career with over 200 club career goals, his remarkable dribbling, finishing and work ethic culminated in a complete profile. Adored by the clubs he represented and admired by the greats of his era, it is easy to forget just how impressive Keegan's contribution to football was.