Liverpool, with such a rich history of tradition and success, have boasted plenty of successful No.7s in the past.
From names such as Kenny Dalglish and Billy Liddell to the new guard, James Milner and Luis Diaz, there has been no shortage of talent at the club.
The ranking is based on factors such as: longevity at Anfield, goals and assist provision and silverware.
As English teams go, only Manchester United can rival Liverpool as being the most prominent. Fans from all over the world are keen admirers of the latter – and it’s no surprise given their combination of history, tradition, silverware and all-round culture.
From a worldwide perspective, there are very few teams that can match their exploits on the European stage – and since their inception in 1892, their fanbase has continued to grow, as has their on-the-pitch success.
Over that time, the Reds have boasted some of the world’s most exciting talents; some of who have donned the fabled No.7 shirt. But who, from the list, is the greatest? From the current occupier, Luis Diaz, to the late and great Billy Liddell, here are the top 10 Liverpool No.7s ranked.
Ranking factors
Goals/Assists
Trophies/Overall success
Longevity at Anfield
How well liked they were among the fans
1
Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool career span: 1977–1990
Not only is Kenny Dalglish widely revered as Liverpool’s best No.7 – but he put together a compelling case to be remembered as the Merseyside-based outfit’s greatest-ever player, irrespective of what shirt number they donned. The memorable striker hung up his boots as a 102-cap Scotland international as well and graced the pitch with elegance.
Kenny Dalglish – Liverpool Career
Appearances
510
Goals
170
Assists
186
Honours
European Cup (77/78, 80/81, 83/84); First Division (78/79, 79/80, 81/82, 82/83, 83/84, 85/86, 87/88, 89/90); UEFA Super Cup (77/78); FA Cup (1986, 1989); League Cup (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984); Community Shield (77/78, 79/80, 90/81, 82/83, 86/87, 88/89, 89/90)
2
Ian Callaghan
Liverpool career span: 1960–1978
Ian Callaghan
Affectionately remembered as the club’s greatest servant, Ian Callaghan is a lesser-known name among the modern age of football fans – but it would be remiss to downplay the two-time European Cup winner’s ability. A key figure of Liverpool’s all-conquering outfit, he enjoyed a 19-year career with the Reds.
A Liverpool native, Callaghan rose through the academy ranks and put in countless awe-inspiring displays for the senior side after breaking through in 1960, collecting five First Division titles, two FA Cups and two European Cups. Regarded as the iron man of the club, the midfielder is criminally underrated and one of the best they have ever boasted.
Ian Callaghan – Liverpool Career
Appearances
839
Goals
67
Assists
70
Honours
European Cup (76/77, 77/78); First Division (63/64, 65/66, 72/73, 75/76, 76/77); UEFA Super Cup (77/78); UEFA Cup (72/73, 75/76); FA Cup (1965, 1974); Community Shield (64/65, 65/66, 66/67, 74/75, 76/77, 77/78)
3
Kevin Keegan
Liverpool career span: 1971–1977
Kevin Keegan
Widely considered as one of the greatest British players to ply their trade overseas, Kevin Keegan enjoyed a 319-game stint with Liverpool, notching 100 goals and 86 assists in that time, and endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with his dazzling skill set when facing up against defenders.
A two-time Ballon d’Or winner during his time in Germany with Hamburg, the former forward won a litany of silverware at the English behemoths. His luscious hair aside, the 63-cap England international performed with bundles of energy and that, coupled with his technical ability, provided vivid memories for Liverpool supporters over the years.
Kevin Keegan – Liverpool Career
Appearances
319
Goals
100
Assists
86
Honours
European Cup (76/77); First Division (72/73, 75/76, 76/77); UEFA Cup (72/73, 75/76); FA Cup (1974); Community Shield (74/75, 76/77)
4
John Aldridge
Liverpool career span: 1987–1989
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Born in Liverpool in 1959, John Aldridge enjoyed stints at South Liverpool, Newport County and Oxford United before making his big break in the world of football, which came in the form of a transfer to the Reds. The potent Irishman made a major impact during his time at the club, netting 63 goals in 104 outings.
In that period, Aldridge’s most memorable moment in red came in the 1989 FA Cup final as he fired his side ahead within four minutes. His prowess in the box also helped to guide Liverpool to yet another league triumph in 1998, but he moved to Real Sociedad a season later, leaving a long list of memories behind him.
John Aldridge – Liverpool Career
Appearances
104
Goals
63
Assists
21
Honours
First Division (87/88); FA Cup (1989); Community Shield (1988, 1989)
5
Luis Suarez
Liverpool career span: 2011–2014
Luis Suarez celebrates scoring for Liverpool.
Often remembered for his controversial antics, one thing you cannot doubt about Luis Suarez is his goalscoring reputation. In front of goal, the Salto-born marksman was unrivalled and, despite only spending three seasons in Merseyside, is one of the most talented frontmen to grace the Anfield turf.
Luis Suarez – Liverpool Career
Appearances
133
Goals
82
Assists
34
Honours
League Cup (2012)
6
Peter Beardsley
Liverpool career span: 1987–1991
Peter Beardsley
An ill-fated stint in charge of Liverpool for Graeme Souness was epitomised by the departure of Peter Beardsley, who joined Everton in the summer of 1991. Able to play through the middle or on either flank, his flair made him a joy to watch during his four years in the red half of Merseyside.
Renowned for his on-the-ball exploits, Beardsley’s haul of 59 goals and 46 assists can be largely attributed to his undying work ethic – an aspect of his game which became beloved among the demanding fanbase. The Hexham-born marksman was repaid for his efforts, having won two league titles and one FA Cup with Liverpool.
Peter Beardsley – Liverpool Career
Appearances
173
Goals
59
Assists
46
Honours
First Division (87/88, 89/90); FA Cup (1989); Community Shield (1988, 1989, 1990)
7
Billy Liddell
Liverpool career span: 1938–1961
Irrespective of the fact that Billy ‘William’ Liddell managed to win just one major trophy during his long stay at Anfield, the Scot was forced to carry the Reds through some of their toughest years, particularly in the post-war period. Able to carry the ball with ease, all while packing a thunderous strike, Liddell was the perfect all-rounder.
Affectionately monikered ‘Liddellpool’ thanks to his service to the 20-time English champions, Liddell set the gold standard for those to follow – and he’ll always be remembered as the club’s first-ever superstar and one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s storied history. Commended for being aerially dominant and tough down to the bone, it’s important to remember the greatness of former players.
Billy Liddell – Liverpool Career
Appearances
534
Goals
228
Assists
63
Honours
First Division (46/47)
8
Steve McManaman
Liverpool career span: 1990–1999
Steve McManaman took over Nigel Clough’s duties as Liverpool’s resident No.7 in 1996 after the latter moved to Manchester City. From a silverware standpoint, the Englishman’s stint was underwhelming – but that hasn’t prevented his name being stamped into the club’s history books with 63 goals and 21 assists under his belt.
His departure to Real Madrid was considered acrimonious by a section of the fanbase, but the fact that he was a homegrown talent, who racked up north of 350 outings for the club, is why his time spent on Merseyside is remembered ever so fondly. A gangly, yet skill-happy winger, McManaman also had the ability to produce moments of magic.
Steve McManaman – Liverpool Career
Appearances
364
Goals
66
Assists
86
Honours
FA Cup (1992); League Cup (1995)
