The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool was a significant moment in the club’s modern era as it saw the best Scouser since Steven Gerrard leave Merseyside.
Alexander-Arnold managed to win numerous trophies during his time at Anfield, but he is by no means the only local star to have led the team to glory.
Legends such as Gerrard, Phil Thompson and Jamie Carragher have all had successful careers at Liverpool, and here, Sports Mole takes a look at the 10 greatest scousers to have played for the Reds.
The 10 best Scousers of all time
John Aldridge might have only played for Liverpool for two years, but he is remembered fondly as one of the best goalscorers to wear the famous red shirt.
The striker was a vital part of the Merseysiders’ 1987-88 league-winning side, netting 26 top-flight goals, and he would score the opening goal in his side’s 3-2 FA Cup final win against fierce rivals Everton the following season.
Though Aldridge signed for Real Sociedad in September 1989, he still managed to play 104 times for the club, scoring on 63 occasions.
Liverpool struggled to challenge at the top end of the table during the early seasons of the Premier League, but the emergence of Steve McManaman in 1990 saw him entertain fans for nine years before he left for free to Real Madrid.
The attacker was capable of striking from distance, and his ability to dribble past opponents helped to create numerous chances in the final third for teammates.
McManaman will be disappointed to have ended his time at Anfield with just an FA Cup and League Cup trophy, but it is difficult to deny his innate talent.
Striker Robbie Fowler enjoyed two spells on Merseyside, first playing for the team from 1993 to 2001, and then returning to the club in 2006 before saying goodbye in 2007.
The Scouser was part of the Liverpool side that won a treble in 2001, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup under the guidance of boss Gerard Houllier.
Fowler is currently the Reds’ seventh highest goalscorer of all time, netting 183 times in 369 matches for Liverpool.
7. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit from Liverpool may have been handled poorly in the eyes of Liverpool fans, but it impossible to deny his quality.
The right-back’s immense passing range saw him become arguably the most talked about full-back in the world, with his skillset unique amongst wide defenders.
Alexander-Arnold racked up 85 assists for Liverpool, helping the team win two Premier League titles, one Champions League and a number of domestic cups.
Midfielder Terry McDermott’s rounded skillset saw him contribute at both ends of the pitch, with the legend scoring 81 goals in 329 games for the Reds.
McDermott was brought to Anfield from Newcastle United after impressing in the 1974 FA Cup final against Liverpool, and after making just 25 appearances in his first two campaigns, he became a regular starter in his third season.
His trophy-laden spell at the club saw him win four league titles and three European Cups, excelling with and without the ball.
5. Phil Thompson
Phil Thompson enjoyed a remarkable playing career for the Merseysiders, plying his trade for team from 1972 to 1983, making 447 appearances.
After initially beginning as a midfielder, he was moved into central defence where his ability to carry the ball out from the back helped earn him a status as a legend.
Thompson’s time on the pitch saw him collect seven league medals, and he also won three European Cups, one FA Cup, two UEFA Cups, two League Cups and one UEFA Super Cup.
The era of Bob Paisley – the most successful manager in Liverpool’s history – cannot be defined without right-back Phil Neal, who was his first signing.
Neal is one of the most storied players to have ever pulled on the famous red shirt, bringing 22 pieces of silverware to the Anfield, including eight league titles.
The right-back featured in 650 games for the Merseysiders between 1974 and 1985, and he was the only player to feature in each of Liverpool’s first four European Cup triumphs.
3. Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher is perhaps remembered best for being a mainstay in the Liverpool team alongside the number one Scouser in this list, but the defender also built his own legacy at Anfield.
Having played 508 Premier League games for the Merseysiders, the centre-back has made the most appearances for the club in the competition, and his total of 737 matches puts him second in the all-time appearance list behind Ian Callaghan.
Carragher played for Liverpool for his entire professional career from 1996-2013, winning nine trophies and is undoubtedly a legend of the club.
2. Ian Callaghan
Considering Ian Callaghan is the record holder in terms of appearances for Liverpool, it is not surprising that he ranks so highly on this list.
After playing 857 times for the club between 1959 and 1978, as well as winning five league titles and two Champions Leagues, the midfielder finally left permanently to join Swansea City.
Callaghan broke into the first team shortly after the appointment of Bill Shankly as manager, and he helped the club earn promotion to the First Division in 1962, which set Liverpool on the path to becoming a domestic and European powerhouse.
1. Steven Gerrard
It is impossible to think of Liverpool without conjuring up an image of Steven Gerrard, who is not only the club’s greatest ever Scouser, but also arguably the best player in the team’s history.
The all-action midfielder played for the Reds from 1998 to 2015, winning eight major honours, including the Champions League in 2005 against AC Milan.
Gerrard is remembered fondly for his dedication to Liverpool, rejecting the chance to move away from Merseyside despite the fact he could have easily won more silverware with the likes of Chelsea or Real Madrid.
