1 former player you'd love now

What 1 player from the past would you love to be able to add to the current squad and why?

Suarez, simply the best and most exciting forward I've seen at the club, and I include Rush, Fowler, Owen and Torres in that list.

Whelan,Molby or Kennedy. Passers&crossers

Whelan,Molby or Kennedy. Passers&crossers

Ray I take it? Seriously underrated player pure class

Rush.

Failing that I'd settle for early Torres or a non-bitey Suarez.

(Molby is probably my all time favourite player, but I just don't see him in the gegenpress.)

[Actually, speaking of the gegenpress, how much would Jürgen like Kevin Keegan up front? Anyway, any one of those 4 hard working, prolific strikers would do nicely.]

Gerrard or Souness. We need some boss in the midfield.

Gerrard in a free role behind that front three.

Souness ,you asked why I see lots adding forwards well I don’t think this team needs that , what it needs is a proper general in midfield who can score tackle and pass the ball , failing that Gerrard in his prime any day of the week would absolutely thrive in this team .

Luis Suarez.

Kenny.

Makes everyone better. Genius.

Stevie.

For the drive and for the medal he didn't get if we crack it this year.

Torres or Stevie

Fully expected a few opting for Stevie and Souness. Bit surprised how many opred for a forward considering how good our front 3 usually are.

When I thought up the idea of the topic I originally had 1 from Molby Alonso and Stevie in my head. But thinking more about it I think id opt for...

Peter Beardsley... A genius player who would not only chip in with more then his share of goals but he would brilliantly link play from our midfield to front 3. A link I think we really need

Ray I take it? Seriously underrated player pure class

Ray Kennedy was just superb he was just on another level he could easily play in this side infact he would walk in it.

Gerrard. I missed those crazy goals from midfield, I really do.

Gerrard. I missed those crazy goals from midfield, I really do.

For quality passes Alonso

For being able to take a game by the scruff off the neck Gerrard

A midfield destroyer Mascherano

But I would have to go with Suarez, and play Firmino from midfield  just behind a front Three of Mane.Suarez, Salah

I got goosebumps thinking about King Kenny holding the ball up, sticking that arse out to shield it, then sliding a perfect pass through to Mo or Sadio!  Of course, Ray Kennedy would bring power, poise, precision, and goals.  Loved watching those men play.

Any of the lads mentioned by previous posters would add so much to our team. 

Gerrard. I missed those crazy goals from midfield, I really do.

Me too!  There was nothing like the sight of Stevie running onto a ball outside the box and smashing it!  Its an aspect that's gone from many teams' games.  I can't remember the last goal we scored from outside the box.  Yes I can - Sturridge against Chelsea!

Paul stewart, then the moaning tw*ts who go on about henderson etc can see what a sh*t midfielder really looked like. In all seriousness kenny all day long

Luis Suarez.

Luis Suarez.

Peak Suarez was probably nearly as good as the Brazilian Ronaldo.

Peak Suarez was probably nearly as good as the Brazilian Ronaldo.

He was absolutely extraordinary and his performances 5 years ago were awe inspiring. A lot like to put him up there with Torres but he was well above the Spaniard in my opinion. Not one single day where I'd take Torres over Suarez.

For quality passes Alonso

For being able to take a game by the scruff off the neck Gerrard

A midfield destroyer Mascherano

But I would have to go with Suarez, and play Firmino from midfield  just behind a front Three of Mane.Suarez, Salah

Try watching football from before the premier league.

Souness would have eaten Masch for breakfast, and was a better passer than Alonso.

Too many to choose from really, but Souness was one of my favourite ever players.

An absolute beast, he could tackle, dribble, pass, score and was hard as nails.

I still say that in terms of a complete midfielder, he was better than Gerrard.

He was absolutely extraordinary and his performances 5 years ago were awe inspiring. A lot like to put him up there with Torres but he was well above the Spaniard in my opinion. Not one single day where I'd take Torres over Suarez.

This all day.

Torres was more of a poacher, Suarez a complete striker.

This all day.

Torres was more of a poacher, Suarez a complete striker.

Think Torres was a bit more than a poacher  scored all kinds of goals

Stevie G in his pomp. Liked a tackle, strong, scored great goals, reliable penoes, and top set pieces. Think him at number 8 would be give us something a bit extra from the middle, maybe not as technical/silky as a Cou, but a lot more strength and drive … and goals.

Think Torres was a bit more than a poacher  scored all kinds of goals

He was playing in a team that was basically built for him and Gerrard.
Yes, he scored a few from outside the box, but he was primarily a poacher, which is why he never really did it for Spain.

Suarez was a much more complete player imo

Stevie for sure.

Too many to choose from really, but Souness was one of my favourite ever players.

An absolute beast, he could tackle, dribble, pass, score and was hard as nails.

I still say that in terms of a complete midfielder, he was better than Gerrard.

Agree and I still maintain Gerrard was better playing as a forward then a traditional CM.

Try watching football from before the premier league.

Souness would have eaten Masch for breakfast, and was a better passer than Alonso.

I don't think he was a better passer than Alonso. But he was a great passer. Basically with Souness you got both sides - Masherano like tackling and at least almost Alonso like passing. Very tight between him and Stevie for our best ever CM. I would go for Stevie, but it's close.

Agree and I still maintain Gerrard was better playing as a forward then a traditional CM.

Yep.

I'd say Gerrard was a more naturally gifted footballer, but Souness was better in the midfield.

Gerrard behind Torres, as a kind of 10 I suppose, was F***ing awesome.

I don't think he was a better passer than Alonso. But he was a great passer. Basically with Souness you got both sides - Masherano like tackling and at least almost Alonso like passing. Very tight between him and Stevie for our best ever CM. I would go for Stevie, but it's close.

I'm basing it on consistency mate.

Souness was consistently brilliant in his passing and had a real eye for it.
As we know, Alonso was a bit hot and cold for us, and more cold than hot.

It's basically best Liverpool player ever thread  number 46446544664467. For me it's Gerrard. I don't even need to think about it.

John Barnes one greatest player at make things happen winning games on his own

He had everything power pace skill like Brazil player

John Barnes one greatest player at make things happen winning games on his own

He had everything power pace skill like Brazil player

Fair shout that mate.

Sami Hyypia alongside VVD and we'd never concede a goal, like ever !!!

Nick Barmby. Too shut the blues up one last time

Sami Hyypia alongside VVD and we'd never concede a goal, like ever !!!

I was thinking Hansen personally, when I mulled over defenders, but they might be too alike (VVD and Hansen) in which case Hyypia is a good shout.

Try watching football from before the premier league.

Souness would have eaten Masch for breakfast, and was a better passer than Alonso.

Hard to compare.

If you look at things in a vacuum then it's obvious todays players are vastly superior in terms of athleticism, there's no arguing that. However to really look at things properly you have to account facilities available, the rules of the time and the players they would be playing with and against and think 'what would x have done in y's time period'. Would Souness in him prime if plucked from the 80s be good in todays game? Not a F***ing hope in hell, he'd be left huffing and puffing and without doubt be sent off. However if he was born in 1990 with the same 'natural talent' if you want to call it that, raised through the system with the facilities and played and developed into the game we play today, he'd undoubtedly be top quality (if any of that makes sense ) One of footballs most fascinating questions in my eyes.

Got to be the King for me.

There is a reason why he was given that nick name, he was brilliant and he loved the club.

 Hence why I can’t understand all the votes for Suarez!

Hard to compare.

If you look at things in a vacuum then it's obvious todays players are vastly superior in terms of athleticism, there's no arguing that. However to really look at things properly you have to account facilities available, the rules of the time and the players they would be playing with and against and think 'what would x have done in y's time period'. Would Souness in him prime if plucked from the 80s be good in todays game? Not a F***ing hope in hell, he'd be left huffing and puffing and without doubt be sent off. However if he was born in 1990 with the same 'natural talent' if you want to call it that, raised through the system with the facilities and played and developed into the game we play today, he'd undoubtedly be top quality (if any of that makes sense ) One of footballs most fascinating questions in my eyes.

I get what you mean, 100%, as I've had the same thoughts myself.
I'd just make a couple of points though; never underestimate just how fit those lads were. The game was played at a breakneck pace back then as well, but we stood out (and won lots) because not only were we fitter, bigger, stronger, faster than most teams, we also played very fast football.
My second point is that yes, Souness would have to modify his game, but I'd argue that he did that when he went to Sampdoria, and showed he was capable of playing different styles, like he played with Scotland back when they had some great players.

I know it's different times, I just think the levels are not as far apart as you think, and that the best players from any era would adapt quickly, especially in their prime.

It is one of footballs most fascinating questions, but as above, special is special in any era, in my view.

Got to be the King for me.

There is a reason why he was given that nick name, he was brilliant and he loved the club.

 Hence why I can’t understand all the votes for Suarez!

It's the same for me when people say Torres instead of Rush.
I just don't get it.

Gerrard 2009 for our current team. No question.

Lots of cracking players named and it really is close between the likes of Souness to Kenny to Xabi to Suarez etc but for me, Gerrard. Just imagine him in the team we have now!

Gerrard 2009 for our current team. No question.

It's difficult to debate against that point, but I'll give it a bash   , bearing in mind it's only one player to add to this team/squad.

Gerrard would give us a huge boost in the slot for the furthest forward midfielder, no doubt, but I would argue that having Souness in the 8 (ish) position gives us the triple luxury of having a creative player who can pass very well, a defender who can destroy AND he would provide both an attacking and defensive platform from a deeper position, which in turn would allow us to play another attacker (Shaqiri perhaps) without giving away any defensive solidity.

I know you could say the same about Gerrard, but I honestly think that in a deeper position, with the players we have, Souness is the better option, simply because he gives us more options further forwards.

Suarez. Best player I have ever seen in a Red shirt for my money. Gerrard is a legend and is our boy, but Suarez is a class scorer who has the ability of Salah inside the box and the talent outside of it to shoot and score from distance when teams sit back.

Tommy Smith would put some bight into the present team.Oh and a young Ray Clemence  while we are dreaming.

Coin flip between Alonso or Gerrard from circa 2008.
Gerrard would certainly bridge that gap we often see between midfield and attack.
Alonso would give us that vision missing in midfield.
Two different ways of maybe achieving the same thing.
Neither of which we see replicated in the current team.

He wouldn't be close to my top pick but I'd have loved to see Dirk Kuyt play under Klopp. Perfect player for his system.

Coin flip between Alonso or Gerrard from circa 2008.
Gerrard would certainly bridge that gap we often see between midfield and attack.
Alonso would give us that vision missing in midfield.
Two different ways of maybe achieving the same thing.
Neither of which we see replicated in the current team.

I think, in time, Fab will give a more than passable (see what I did there ) impression of Xabi......

Out of many players that come to mind, I will go for Kenny Dalglish.

Phil Neal as we are supposed to pick only one right. Just check out his record it is just crazy talk about playing through the pain this man felt no pain only glory.

Tommy Smith would put some bight into the present team.Oh and a young Ray Clemence  while we are dreaming.

Safe to say Senor Ramos wouldn’t have taken the same liberties with our Mo Billy!

I get what you mean, 100%, as I've had the same thoughts myself.
I'd just make a couple of points though; never underestimate just how fit those lads were. The game was played at a breakneck pace back then as well, but we stood out (and won lots) because not only were we fitter, bigger, stronger, faster than most teams, we also played very fast football.
My second point is that yes, Souness would have to modify his game, but I'd argue that he did that when he went to Sampdoria, and showed he was capable of playing different styles, like he played with Scotland back when they had some great players.

I know it's different times, I just think the levels are not as far apart as you think, and that the best players from any era would adapt quickly, especially in their prime.

It is one of footballs most fascinating questions, but as above, special is special in any era, in my view.

Good points mate, hard for me to say as unfortunately never got to see them play. I always draw comparisons to track and field or any other sport assessed by time it takes to finish and how things are constantly improving but I take your point about them not being 'unfit' so to speak.

Steven Gerrard= best player of all time.

Peak Suarez. He'd be perfect for this Klopp team. A Gnarly, horrible, clinical and wonderfully talented footballer is what we need now.

Young Gerrard.

Good points mate, hard for me to say as unfortunately never got to see them play. I always draw comparisons to track and field or any other sport assessed by time it takes to finish and how things are constantly improving but I take your point about them not being 'unfit' so to speak.

My understanding, limited though it is, is that the biggest breakthroughs have been in fitness monitoring and injury prevention, with a better understanding of diet and rest, which allows "elite" players' fitness to be managed much more effectively, which I think is different from actual fitness level differences between different era's.

Will continue another time as match is about to start.

The one...the only....Mr.....Ian Callaghan. Gave every once in every game and played a total of 857....eight hundred and fifty seven games...Klopp could've sent Cally out on his own in the second half today..and Fulham would've noticed.

Steven Gerrard.

Hard to compare.

If you look at things in a vacuum then it's obvious todays players are vastly superior in terms of athleticism, there's no arguing that. However to really look at things properly you have to account facilities available, the rules of the time and the players they would be playing with and against and think 'what would x have done in y's time period'. Would Souness in him prime if plucked from the 80s be good in todays game? Not a f**king hope in hell, he'd be left huffing and puffing and without doubt be sent off. However if he was born in 1990 with the same 'natural talent' if you want to call it that, raised through the system with the facilities and played and developed into the game we play today, he'd undoubtedly be top quality (if any of that makes sense ) One of footballs most fascinating questions in my eyes.

I think your over-estimating the difference in fitness between then and now. Today's players do a lot more gym work - working on their upper body strength etc ( but also cos it looks good, the vain cu*ts). But on the aerobic stuff that helps you get about the pitch - yeah they will be a bit fitter, and their diet will be better ( and if you look at the likes of Ronaldo and Bale, I don't know about you, but I think *steroids*), but not as much as all that. Players back then still trained hard ( most of them anyway) on the stamina side of things. I think peak Souness could play DM in our current midfield without a problem.

To make the point - look at say Alonso. Not exactly a midfield dynamo style player. Was he significantly fitter or more athletic than Souness? I wouldn't say so. But up to a couple of years ago playing ( at the age of about 35) for Bayern Munich. And a Bayern Munich managed by Guardiola, the classic high tempo modern coach. If he could do that, I don't see why peak Souness would struggle.

Sounness for me, or Dalglish, or better yet, Dalglouness

Imagine having Steven Gerrard at his pomp in this team. Christ.

Even Xabi.

Tommy Smith would put some bight into the present team.Oh and a young Ray Clemence  while we are dreaming.

Sorry for changing my mind but in all honesty I would have to have the late great Billy Liddell in any Liverpool team.He gave so much to the Liverpool cause.

Sorry for changing my mind but in all honesty I would have to have the late great Billy Liddell in any Liverpool team.He gave so much to the Liverpool cause.

Must admit Billy - I was surprised you didn’t go for the great man initially........

So many to choose from......

Must admit Billy - I was surprised you didn’t go for the great man initially........

So many to choose from......

To be honest Al i thought people might get fed up with my going on how great he really was.When we were in the old second division he kept this club alive.Even after all these years I can still picture the great man.

Stevie g

Imagine having Steven Gerrard at his pomp in this team. Christ.

Even Xabi.

Our midfield from 2007-2009 behind the front three would be terrific.

Alisson
Trent Gomez Van Dijk Robertson
Mascherano Alonso Gerrard
Salah Firmino Mane

I have to agree with the Suarez pick from above. Suarez from the year of our title challenge on this team would literally be unplayable. He'd have 70 goals.

SOUNESS.

Only draw back would be that he would play 1 game miss the next 3....

Two very noticeable camps in this thread;
The younger fans, premier league era if you like, picking the players they know and saw, and the older lads doing the same with the likes of KK and Souness.

Of course both views have merit, but it's almost impossible to explain just how good the likes of KK and Souness actually were.
We didn't have 30 camera's showing a player from every conceivable angle back then, and the youtube clips don't do them justice, along with the likes of McDermott, Kennedy (either one), Rush, Smith, Heighway etc etc
The list is a long one and we've been lucky to have such fantastic players at our club.

Going back to fitness, here's a dressing room pic.
Look at the muscle development which is that of an athlete, from a time when players didn't hit the weights like they do now.


Sent off after fisticuffs with Bremner (behind)


You can see they are not as ripped as todays players, but clearly they are fit as fiddles.

I agree.

It’s not really about fitness per se in my opinion mate.

More about knowledge / education. Players today are fitter because we have far greater understanding of sports science / nutrition etc.

Available today the vast majority of great players would transition no problem.

End of the day you need to be able to play. As the King himself said - “.....if you cannae play football a bowl of pasta’s no gonnae change that”.......

Mic drop........

I have to agree with the Suarez pick from above. Suarez from the year of our title challenge on this team would literally be unplayable. He'd have 70 goals.

Agree mate.  Suarez is only one player I definitely believe put him in our current team and we almost guarantee winning a lot of trophies, and the 19.  He's absolutely Klopp player (not a bite thing), he's proved he's above everyone in EPL, and he's a team player.

Of course there are plenty of true legends in the past but I'm not lucky enough to see them play

Tough question.... Only 1 makes it so difficult....

I would have to go with Gerrard based on what we need now to push the team forward and to be another leader on the pitch. Christ, with him in his prime and the players we have now it would be an unreal team. Also, in todays Prem I dont see many players of his type anymore - perhaps this is the way its going to go...

I agree.

It’s not really about fitness per se in my opinion mate.

More about knowledge / education. Players today are fitter because we have far greater understanding of sports science / nutrition etc.

Available today the vast majority of great players would transition no problem.

End of the day you need to be able to play. As the King himself said - “.....if you cannae play football a bowl of pasta’s no gonnae change that”.......

Mic drop........

I've had this conversation a few times over the years, and there's a couple of points that need consideration imo.
People in general were smaller, there was very little obesity around, a lot of lads looked skinny but were strong as F**k, so when people speak to me about "older" players getting bullied off the ball etc I tend to laugh, because a lot of these players were hard as nails and strong as a horse. They just didn't look it because they weren't bulked up, they didn't have the kind of "model muscle" as I call it, but the core was just as strong.

The other point is that these guys got absolutely hammered out on the pitch, I mean the tackles were absolutely brutal and I often wondered how they carried on, but they knew how to ride a tackle, their balance was superb and the could take the knocks.
Of course a lot of them now have problems with knees, ankles, necks, hips etc but a lot of todays players are going to have problems as well, because they are carrying weight which is not natural for them, in added muscle.

And then there was the ball; not one of the featherlight things they have now, the ball had real weight, and to get bend, curl, dip on it was a proper art, and was a basic of the game.
I'm sure a few of the older lads can tell horror stories of getting hit in the face by a wet "casey" or trying to kick the F***ing thing when it weighed a ton, and that's before we even get to the pitches, some of which resembled a newly ploughed field.

All that, and those guys still played at a very high tempo, showing a lot of skill, pace, stamina, and everything else you expect from a top player.

There's a lot to be said about the progression of sports science, and all it entails, but at the end of the day, as in the above quote from KK, all that matters is "can they play", and F***ing hell those lads could play.

There are lots but it is a toss between King Kenny and the teeth himself Suarez.

I suppose right now we could with Gerrard in the midfield.

Xabi Alonso. Absolute gold he was

Gerrard definitely. Linking with those three up front, would be like two players in that position. He was explosively quick too.

This is an impossible choice. 

I’d have a 22 year old Steven Gerard ya very much!

Suarez st 25 wouldn’t be so bad either.

I’d also love to see what sort of an impact Beardsley could have in this current side.