Liverpool class are the players who have the ability as a footballer and as a person. In years gone by, we wouldn't sign a player until we knew what they were like as a person as well. Could have all the ability in the world, but if they weren't a decent person then they got fu**ed right off - wonder why all the talented yet abusers never made their way to Anfield I.e. Frank Worthington (who we were heavily linked with), George Best, Paul Gascogine, Paul Merson, Tony Adams, Rodney Marsh and so on. The one problem we had was Jan Molby with a bit of drink driving.
We also used to tell the money grabbing cu*ts with an agent to f**k off before they'd even sat down if there was an agent present. If you need some money mad tw*t to tell you to sign for this club then you're not welcome here. You should be honoured to even be wanted by us and be on your knees begging this club to take you. Not have an agent in your ear telling you to ask for more money or instead you'll go elsewhere. If that's your attitude then go elsewhere.
There's very few at the squad who I believe to have the right ability as a footballer and right attitude as a person to be considered Liverpool class. Some like Kuyt have the attitude of hard work but lack ability. Some like Meireles have the ability but lack the attitude to go right through with a tackle. That's why these players will never be world class or consistently top drawer. You need both to be Liverpool class.
I understand and agree with what you are saying Billy, but some of the examples you gave aren't good ones. Frank Worthington failed the medical (twice) or we would have signed him, the board wouldn't pay the £250k for Best (Shanks wanted him),and according to Gascoigne's book, Dalglish wanted to sign him but Gascoigne wouldn't wait. A better example might be Bowyer who Houllier pissed off when he thought his attitude was wrong(pity he didn't do the same with Diouf and Diao!)
Certainly under Shanks character was an important consideration which seems to have lost importance over the years to our cost. To be honest, I wonder how much time managers spend actually talking to players before signing them these days, is it not now all done through agents and intermediaries?
I think Carra was the typical example of a Liverpool class player (I know a lot think he has lost that in the latter years) someone who gave 100% and while maybe not the best in England in his position was a good player who made up for any shortfalls with effort and determination. I just think we were spoiled under Shanks and Paisley when we had so many great players who gave everything for the team.
Different times now mate, money is king and too many players would rather be sat on the bench with big wages and a fat advertising contract than playing for a few quid less.
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