Liverpool have moved away from the superstar midfielder since Steven Gerrard left the club, but there have been some quality players manning the engine room in the time since.
Jamie Carragher produced a list of the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielders, with the former Liverpool captain unsurprisingly taking first place. Since Gerrard, though, the philosophy at Liverpool has been one of industrious players in the midfield rather than world-beaters.
Despite that, there are some top talents who have put on the red shirt, with one still playing for Liverpool this season. Here’s Rousing The Kop’s top five.
Liverpool’s best midfielders since Steven Gerrard
5. James Milner
James Milner wins Champions League with Liverpool
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Starting off with one of the most reliable servants to Liverpool in the Jurgen Klopp era. James Milner has played the most Premier League games of any player, with 230 of those in a red shirt.
He was never the flashiest, nor an entertainer, but his importance to the side was massive. He deserves recognition on this list.
4. Fabinho
Fabinho during Leicester City v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool’s midfield truly went to another level when Fabinho arrived from Monaco. His presence in front of the back four is what gave Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold license to bomb on.
He wasn’t just a destroyer though. The Brazilian had all the technical tools and had an occasional screamer in his locker. Liverpool need to sign a number six this summer in that mould, as they haven’t properly replaced Fabinho since his departure.
3. Dominik Szoboszlai
Dominik Szoboszlai during Liverpool FC v Galatasaray SK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
The only active player on the list, and deservedly so. Dominik Szoboszlai has had a brilliant season at Liverpool. He has a Premier League title to bring him into this conversation, and he’s the closest to Gerrard we have seen in the last ten years.
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The Hungarian No. 8 is only getting started on Merseyside, and looks set to take the armband when Virgil van Dijk leaves. He has everything to his game, and is poised to climb this list in the coming seasons.
2. Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara in action for Liverpool Legends during their charity match against Borussia Dortmund Legends.
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
Injuries deprived us of seeing the very best of Thiago during his four-year stint at Anfield. When he was fit, though, he was absolutely world-class. On talent alone, he has to make this list.
It’s such a shame, because the Spaniard would undoubtedly have the number one spot on this list if he was able to reach the heights he showed earlier in his career. Still, I can’t put him below anyone but the greatest Liverpool midfielder since Gerrard.
1. Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson after Chelsea v Liverpool: The Emirates FA Cup Final
Photo by Tom Dulat – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Discourse around Jordan Henderson borders on ridiculous sometimes. The disrespect shown to his game by rival fans is actually evidence of why he was so important to the Reds.
Henderson wasn’t the aesthetically pleasing operator that Thiago was, but he was the heartbeat of the midfield. He captained Liverpool to pretty much every trophy you can think of — something even Gerrard never managed.
Sure, Liverpool have had more talented midfielders, but Henderson epitomised what it meant to be a Red during the club’s most successful period in modern history.
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