Topic: Liverpool's Best Ever Jersey No. Xs

[redan]

I have to do it from the time I've been following the Reds, so 1994 onwards (I know some are going to be really scraping the barrel)

1. Dudek
2. Jones
3. Finnan
4. Hyypia
5. Agger
6. Babbel
7. Suarez
8. Gerrard
9. Torres
10. Barnes
11. Fowler (not his finest form but it gets him in)
12. Aurelio
13. Murphy
14. Alonso
15. Berger
16. Hamann
17. McManaman
18. Owen
19. Babel (purely for scoring against the Mancs)
20. Mascherano
21. McAllister (tough on Lucas but Gary Mac was sublime)
22. Sissoko
23. Carragher
24. Allen??
25. Reina
 
It gets ridiculous after that

Edit: actually for a bit of Friday fun if I separated that out into a squad it'd work quite well

GK; Reina, Dudek
FB; Finnan, Jones, Babbel, Aurelio
CB; Hyypia, Agger, Carragher,
CM; Alonso, Mascherano, Gerrard, Hamman, McAllister, Allen, Sissoko
AM/WG: McManaman, Barnes, Murphy, Berger, Babel
CF; Torres, Fowler, Owen, Suarez

and starting XI

                  Reina

Jones   Hyypia  Carragher  Aurelio

         Mascherano  Alonso         

                  Gerrard
  Suarez                        Barnes
                   Fowler

Dudek, Agger, Finnan, Hamann, McAllister, McManaman, Torres



 

[paulrazor]

23- Carragher, Fowler and now Can

bosh!

14- Alonso and henderson, oh Jan Molby too

[Timbo's Goals]

Im 39 but I cant speak for all the "youngsters"   

I didnt think Tommy Smith is under rated.  You may get some on here saying their favorite full back was Neal, or Rob Jones, but thats an age thing. A guy earlier in the thread had Torres at 9.  Hes probably in his 20s

As for Kegan, there may be an element of Liverpool fans viewing him as an outsider. A bit like Michael Owen.  Ive never liked owen as a person, and that was a long time before he signed for them lot. 

You dont have to be scouse to be a good red and I get the impression a lot of people dont view Keegan as a good red.  Maybe Im wrong, but thats the impression I get. I think also the fact he was replaced by Kenny who is unequivocally adored adds to this.

 

Not sure if you're citing Smithy as a full back or not.

Smithy played full back sure but the Smithy I'm championing was a twin centre back from '65 to early '70's during which time [particularly the 65-68 period when he came up against and bossed Europe's finest as well as the UK's finest] he was arguably the finest defender in Europe. He was denied the caps because of the bias of ramsey towards Bobby Moore. Not that I'd ever diss Bobby Moore as he was a marvelous player and an incredible icon but as a pure footballer/defender/surging attacker from the back he didn't come close to Smithy.

To try to bracket someone like Phil Neal with Tommy Smith - and again I'm not dissing the lad - is utterly fucking ridiculous to those of us who lived through the careers of both players. Neal's record speaks for itself and I did like him especially his linking with the midfield but Tommy was on an entirely different planet from Neal as a footballer.

As for KK, I'll just say that had it not been for him it's doubtful you and I would be on here now yapping about Liverpool greats as the entire 70's explosion and it's two decade aftermath with all our subsequent greats would likely not have occurred without the incredible impact that Keegan had on LFC. Honestly you had to be there back in 1971/72 to appreciate just how Keegan elevated us from a decent but nothing special side to the best around including Europe. A tour de force in Liverpool's history. No question. Those who cling to their hurt pride because he wanted to leave for pastures new can be as surly and churlish as they want - and to a large extent they have succeeded in spreading that cynicism about the lad - but make no mistake Kevin Keegan is one of our all time greats and if you had to pinpoint the footballing catalyst for our post 60's greatness then there is only player who fits the bill. 

[Alf Garnett!]

Timbo,

How do you rate Peter Thompson compared to John Barnes & can you remember whether Tommy Smith ever donned the No4 shirt?

[Statto Red]

My time following the Reds

23 Fowler/Carragher
10 John Barnes
8 & 17 Steve Gerrard
9 Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Aldo
7 King Kenny, Peter Beardsley
6 Alan Hansen
5 Ronnie Whelan

[paulrazor]

Timbo,

How do you rate Peter Thompson compared to John Barnes & can you remember whether Tommy Smith ever donned the No4 shirt?

was he wearing number 4 in 1977 when he crashed home that header?

[Alf Garnett!]

was he wearing number 4 in 1977 when he crashed home that header?

Should have edited it but too late,i meant on a regular basis.

My memory is shite on some things-i was close to putting Tommy Smith as my No2

[Kenny's Jacket]

Not sure if you're citing Smithy as a full back or not.

Smithy played full back sure but the Smithy I'm championing was a twin centre back from '65 to early '70's during which time [particularly the 65-68 period when he came up against and bossed Europe's finest as well as the UK's finest] he was arguably the finest defender in Europe. He was denied the caps because of the bias of ramsey towards Bobby Moore. Not that I'd ever diss Bobby Moore as he was a marvelous player and an incredible icon but as a pure footballer/defender/surging attacker from the back he didn't come close to Smithy.

To try to bracket someone like Phil Neal with Tommy Smith - and again I'm not dissing the lad - is utterly fucking ridiculous to those of us who lived through the careers of both players. Neal's record speaks for itself and I did like him especially his linking with the midfield but Tommy was on an entirely different planet from Neal as a footballer.

As for KK, I'll just say that had it not been for him it's doubtful you and I would be on here now yapping about Liverpool greats as the entire 70's explosion and it's two decade aftermath with all our subsequent greats would likely not have occurred without the incredible impact that Keegan had on LFC. Honestly you had to be there back in 1971/72 to appreciate just how Keegan elevated us from a decent but nothing special side to the best around including Europe. A tour de force in Liverpool's history. No question. Those who cling to their hurt pride because he wanted to leave for pastures new can be as surly and churlish as they want - and to a large extent they have succeeded in spreading that cynicism about the lad - but make no mistake Kevin Keegan is one of our all time greats and if you had to pinpoint the footballing catalyst for our post 60's greatness then there is only player who fits the bill.

Dunno why but yes I associate Smith as a full back. Ive obviously been told now 

I was not personally detracting from Keegans contribution to our club, just giving a possible insight into why he may not be as loved and valued as perhaps his play and impact deserved. 

[paulrazor]

Should have edited it but too late,i meant on a regular basis.

My memory is shite on some things-i was close to putting Tommy Smith as my No2

think he did wear number 2 more often

[BCCC]

[BCCC]

[RedVash]

no one mentioned another unusual jersey number

SKRTEL N°37 

[Stevie-A]

Ray Kennedy #5
Steve Heighway #9

That'll do for me.

[stewy17]

You mean SIR ROGER HUNT - who will always own the number 8 shirt and was of course the reason Aldo requested it

 

Haha sorry Timbo, I'll have to blame the ignorance of relative youth!

[gray19lfc]

In my lifetime...

1. Dudek
2. Johnson
3. Finnan
4. Hyypia
5. Agger
6. Riise
7. Suarez
8. Gerrard
9. Fowler
10. Owen
11. Redknapp
12. Hyypia
13. Murphy
14. Alonso
15. Sturridge
16. Hamann
17. Gerrard
18. Owen
19. Morientes
20. Mascherano
21. McAllister
22. Sissoko
23. Carragher
24. Sinama-Pongolle
25. Reina

[Timbo's Goals]

Timbo,

How do you rate Peter Thompson compared to John Barnes & can you remember whether Tommy Smith ever donned the No4 shirt?

Thommo was fantastic. Two footed, he was so fast and skilful that he defied physics at times, stopping dead from a 40 yard sprint with the ball like Roadrunner. The suddenness of the stopping would leave the full back who'd been attempting to keep up with him spreadeagled on the grass as he tried to do the same emergency stop.

Once Thommo got the ball he'd often keep it for a minute or so running up and down the wing. The problem was he'd keep beating the same players over and over again. It was highly entertaining and the crowd adored him. He was only rarely dispossessed but the downside was his amazing bag of tricks only resulted in an end product every now and again, albeit when they did the results were invariably spectacular.

I remember one game against West Ham where he scored twice down the Anny Road end with three spectacular shots. The first shot was from the edge of the box he hit with his left foot and it rocketed back off the post straight to his right foot whereupon he belted it past goalkeeper Jim Standen before he could blink. The second goal was similar but he never bothered using the post with that one. He just belted it straight in. His crosses were nowhere near as well flighted and accurate as Cally on the other wing. But all in all a special special talent the like of whom we've not seen since in a red shirt. But for all that he was no more than a specialist [principally left] winger. That was his role and that's what he did in his own inimitable way.

As for Johnny Barnes. Well he was on an altogether different planet. A complete footballer with a vision bestowed on so few footballers and with the skill, pace and determination to ensure that vision was implemented to so much great effect. Anyroad, you know the rest. In essence, a genius for LFC.

Tommy Smith wore the number 4 shirt for many years. He'd started as I said in an earlier post with the number 10 shirt but when Gordon Milne left, in around '68 I think, Tommy took the number 4 shirt and wore it for quite some time. Can't remember when Phil Thompson took it over. Probably when Smithy was moved to full back. 

[Timbo's Goals]

I was not personally detracting from Keegans contribution to our club, just giving a possible insight into why he may not be as loved and valued as perhaps his play and impact deserved. 

I realised that mate - and to be fair you were spot on.

[Timbo's Goals]

It's hard to judge how good some of the older players were - my own match going takes in the tail end of the Shankly's first great team of the 60s and there is TV footage giving an idea of how good those players were, but if you go back a bit further, you only rely on memories and handed down stories. My late grandfather saw his first game in 1909 (the 6-5 v Newcastle!), and followed the reds widely through the 20s and 30s. I can remember him telling me about the likes of Elisha Scott, Eph Longworth and Harry Chambers, but I've no idea how good they actually were. In the current climate of blanket coverage of every game from muliple angles, we are all experts on every player, but even as recently as the 1980s there were great games and goals that were never shown on TV. There is bound to be an emphasis on the modern players because of this - after all, how many Liverpool fans have even heard of someone like Billy Dunlop (363 games, 2 goals from 1894-1909), let alone would put him forward as our greatest No 3?

BTW I agree with everything said about John Barnes - not only one of the best players ever to wear a red shirt, but someone who always backs Liverpool and can be relied on to speak sense.

Good post.

[redmark]

As for KK, I'll just say that had it not been for him it's doubtful you and I would be on here now yapping about Liverpool greats as the entire 70's explosion and it's two decade aftermath with all our subsequent greats would likely not have occurred without the incredible impact that Keegan had on LFC. Honestly you had to be there back in 1971/72 to appreciate just how Keegan elevated us from a decent but nothing special side to the best around including Europe. A tour de force in Liverpool's history. No question. Those who cling to their hurt pride because he wanted to leave for pastures new can be as surly and churlish as they want - and to a large extent they have succeeded in spreading that cynicism about the lad - but make no mistake Kevin Keegan is one of our all time greats and if you had to pinpoint the footballing catalyst for our post 60's greatness then there is only player who fits the bill. 

I probably wouldn't be a Liverpool supporter at all, if it wasn't for Keegan. I was born in the same South Yorkshire pit village; I'm sure it's why my uncle (only about 10 years older than me and the only family member into football) initially supported Liverpool, got me into them and took me to games. Though as it happened, Keegan left at almost that exact moment, and it was Dalglish who I idolised.

[Swissgaz]

1    Ray Clemence
2    Phil Neal
3    Joey Jones
4    Tommy Smith
5    Ray Kennedy
6    Emlyn Hughes 
7    Kevin Keegan
8    Jimmy Case
9    Steve Heighway
10    Ian Callaghan
11    Terry McDermott
12    Peter McDonnell
13    David Fairclough
14    David Johnson
15    Alan Waddle
16    Alec Lindsay

[Alf Garnett!]

Cheers Timbo,

Such a wealth of knowledge.

I have revised my list of 1-11,fuck knows why some things just dont register-i'll blame the mrs ha!

1 - Ray Clemence
2 - Phil Neal
3 - Gerry Byrne
4 - Tommy Smith
5 - Ray Kennedy
6 - Emlyn Hughes
7 - Kenny Dalglish
8 - Steven Gerrard
9 - Ian Rush
10 - John Barnes
11 - Ian Callaghan

Half decent 4-4-2 what do ya reckon & who of yours would get into that?

[Crosby Nick]

Who plays where in the midfield 4 Davo? Kennedy played on the left didn't he? Callaghan and Barnes both ended up central at the end of their careers?

[Alf Garnett!]

Who plays where in the midfield 4 Davo? Kennedy played on the left didn't he? Callaghan and Barnes both ended up central at the end of their careers?

I have Kennedy left CM.

Our current squad need to take a look at some of these 11's & maybe it will sink in how far they have to develop!

[OLDIE]

No 5  Rowdy Lloyd, Cormack, Kennedy, Whelan, Agger  not a bad selection of quality players

No 8 Hunt, Hall, McDermott Case, Lee, Aldo, a certain Mr Gerrard also not a bad bunch

We could go on forever with this thread, it certainly brings back memories.

[kesey]

6 is always Jocky.

3 for me it:s Beglin

2 Neal

8 Lee

The rest are obvious.

[Les Willis]

Souness had the number 11 for a while, so he deserves a shout.

[Solomon Grundy]

My time following the Reds

23 Fowler/Carragher
10 John Barnes
8 & 17 Steve Gerrard
9 Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Aldo
7 King Kenny, Peter Beardsley
6 Alan Hansen
5 Ronnie Whelan

No Suarez as a 7?

[vblfc]

Thread is tough now. Thommo vs Tommy Smith is a nightmare. I loved Thommo but Tommy Smith scoring in 77 is one of my favourite memories ever. Was just such a surprise for some reason, so he gets it for me. Also Kenny should not even be judged on a number he was a cut above. A different class for me.  Really an age thing with these.......

[vblfc]

Great to remember Ray Kennedy as No 5. Pure Class

[nuts100]

Souness had the number 11 for a while, so he deserves a shout.

Just about to post the same
First name on anyone's team sheet

[edge]

From my days of watching footy, or the ones I can think of after getting home from a night out anyways:

2 Johnson
3 Enrique
4 Hyypia
5 Agger
6 Riise
7 Suarez
8 Gerrard
9 Torres
10 Coutinho
11 Firmino
12 Aurelio
14 Alonso
15 Sturridge
18 Kuyt
20 Mascherano
21 Lucas
22 Mignolet
23 Carra
25 Reina
31 Sterling
37 Skrtel
38 Flanagan
45 Balo

Reina
Flanagan - Carragher - Agger - Aurelio
Mascherano - Alonso
Sturridge - Gerrard - Suarez
Torres

[Filler.]

6 is always Emlyn for me. Always. First name on my team sheet too probably. Nobody is going to tell my 4/5/6/7/8 year old self otherwise. Some things are cemented.

[God's Left Peg]

I feel sorry for our younger fans when I see things like this. Make no mistake, Michael Owen was a very good player for us. But by putting him there I've got to come to the conclusion that you never saw John Barnes (1987-91 version).

John Barnes is probably the most exciting player I've seen for Liverpool over the last 30 odd years. Maybe he isn't the best (Gerrard) player to have played over that period but he's the most exciting. Only Suarez for his final 18 months can even get remotely close to him.

John Barnes was unbelievable in that 1987-1991 time period. 75 goals in his 1st 4 season from midfield (Suarez scored 82 goals over his 4 years at the club). God knows how many assist he got over that time period. He wasn't some lazy winger either who came to life when he had the ball. John Barnes was defensively sound too. He worked so hard to protect his full back too. Brilliant with both feet, boss in the air. The really wasn't anything he couldn't do. I can only remember 1 mistake he made in those 4 years.

If John Barnes was playing now he'd be at the same level as Messi and Ronaldo. The way the game has gone over the last 20 years, he'd have more protection and his skill set would be magnified in the modern game. He'd be the 1st 100M player. He'd be scoring 30-40 goals a season from midfield.

He was fucking boss was John Barnes and I feel sorry for any Liverpool fan that didn't get to witness his brilliance.

Agreed. Was one of my idols as a kid alongside the likes of Rush, Beardsley, McMahon and Houghton et al. Football entered my concsiousness at the time these fellas were bossing it (born 1979).

Would love some video compilations of thst side for the younger fans on here to enjoy.

[Alf Garnett!]

Edit:

Sorry Cally,i just can't leave Souness out of my 1-11 here..

1 - Ray Clemence
2 - Phil Neal
3 - Gerry Byrne
4 - Tommy Smith
5 - Ray Kennedy
6 - Emlyn Hughes
7 - Kenny Dalglish
8 - Steven Gerrard
9 - Ian Rush
10 - John Barnes
11 - Graeme Souness

4-4-2 diamond with Kennedy behind Rush & Dalglish,Souness holding-so many players i have terrible guilt leaving out.

[SwissV]

Only number 19 I can even remember is Ryan Babel....

Maybe its a curse. Once we get a decent number 19, we'll win number 19.

Morientes, Downing, Manquillo, Friedel, Arphexad, Babel, Caulker. Fuck me mate how can you not remember those legends? 

[Scouser-Tommy]

#39 Craig Bellamy

[Dubred]

I feel sorry for our younger fans when I see things like this. Make no mistake, Michael Owen was a very good player for us. But by putting him there I've got to come to the conclusion that you never saw John Barnes (1987-91 version).

John Barnes is probably the most exciting player I've seen for Liverpool over the last 30 odd years. Maybe he isn't the best (Gerrard) player to have played over that period but he's the most exciting. Only Suarez for his final 18 months can even get remotely close to him.

John Barnes was unbelievable in that 1987-1991 time period. 75 goals in his 1st 4 season from midfield (Suarez scored 82 goals over his 4 years at the club). God knows how many assist he got over that time period. He wasn't some lazy winger either who came to life when he had the ball. John Barnes was defensively sound too. He worked so hard to protect his full back too. Brilliant with both feet, boss in the air. The really wasn't anything he couldn't do. I can only remember 1 mistake he made in those 4 years.

If John Barnes was playing now he'd be at the same level as Messi and Ronaldo. The way the game has gone over the last 20 years, he'd have more protection and his skill set would be magnified in the modern game. He'd be the 1st 100M player. He'd be scoring 30-40 goals a season from midfield.

He was fucking boss was John Barnes and I feel sorry for any Liverpool fan that didn't get to witness his brilliance.

Brilliant post and without a doubt our best No.10

[Justin Siderbox]

I feel sorry for our younger fans when I see things like this. Make no mistake, Michael Owen was a very good player for us. But by putting him there I've got to come to the conclusion that you never saw John Barnes (1987-91 version).

John Barnes is probably the most exciting player I've seen for Liverpool over the last 30 odd years. Maybe he isn't the best (Gerrard) player to have played over that period but he's the most exciting. Only Suarez for his final 18 months can even get remotely close to him.

John Barnes was unbelievable in that 1987-1991 time period. 75 goals in his 1st 4 season from midfield (Suarez scored 82 goals over his 4 years at the club). God knows how many assist he got over that time period. He wasn't some lazy winger either who came to life when he had the ball. John Barnes was defensively sound too. He worked so hard to protect his full back too. Brilliant with both feet, boss in the air. The really wasn't anything he couldn't do. I can only remember 1 mistake he made in those 4 years.

If John Barnes was playing now he'd be at the same level as Messi and Ronaldo. The way the game has gone over the last 20 years, he'd have more protection and his skill set would be magnified in the modern game. He'd be the 1st 100M player. He'd be scoring 30-40 goals a season from midfield.

He was fucking boss was John Barnes and I feel sorry for any Liverpool fan that didn't get to witness his brilliance.

The only player in all my years following the club who could take a decent corner. 

[Walshy nMeŽ]

I always think of Whelan at 5, Nicol at 4, Barnes at 10.  Rush at 9.  Houghton at 8.

[OLDIE]

Edit:

Sorry Cally,i just can't leave Souness out of my 1-11 here..

1 - Ray Clemence
2 - Phil Neal
3 - Gerry Byrne
4 - Tommy Smith
5 - Ray Kennedy
6 - Emlyn Hughes
7 - Kenny Dalglish
8 - Steven Gerrard
9 - Ian Rush
10 - John Barnes
11 - Graeme Souness

4-4-2 diamond with Kennedy behind Rush & Dalglish,Souness holding-so many players i have terrible guilt leaving out.

WHAT !!!

No Joey Jones !!