Ranking best Liverpool midfielders of all-time

Liverpool have had some of the best midfielders in football history. These players have also enjoyed a great deal of success during their time, etching their names in the folklore of the English club. Down the years, several midfielders went beyond expectations to deliver explosive performances across all competitions.

Players such as Steven Gerrard, Ray Kennedy, Graeme Souness and Ronnie Whelan mesmerized the football fans during their playing days. Numerous attacking and defensive midfielders have graced the red shirt with their scintillating performance. Here are our picks for greatest Liverpool midfielders of all-time. 

List of top 10 greatest midfielders of Liverpool 

10. Jimmy Case (1973-81)

Liverpool was blessed to have a midfielder like Jimmy Case on their team. He was a perfect example of how a defensive midfielder should play. The Reds used to call him “the great Wall in midfield”, courtesy of his physical stamina and rock solid defensive duties in the middle of the park. In his eight years of loyal service at Anfield, Case went on to lift three English top division titles and three European Cups. 

He was one of the most influential figures in Bob Paisley’s team and played a crucial role during the most glorious days of the Reds. In 269 games, Case registered 46 goals and 38 assists for Liverpool.

9. Steve McManaman (1990-99)

The ninth on the list of the greatest Liverpool midfielders is Steve McManaman. It’s fair to say that many Liverpool fans have forgotten the contribution of this player in the ‘90s. McManaman was so versatile that the legendary Liverpool coach Roy Evans handed him a free role in the midfield where the playmaker controlled the tempo and pace of the game week in and week out. There was a popular saying amongst the rival managers – Stop McManaman, stop Liverpool.

The great midfielder featured in 364 games for Liverpool across all competitions, having amassed 66 goals and 85 assists in the process. McManaman won one League Cup and one FA Cup during his stint before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. 

8. Jordan Henderson (2011-2023)

One of the modern-day English greats, Jordan Henderson is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in Liverpool history. Coming from Sunderland in 2011, Henderson initially had to go through a tough time at Anfield. However, through hard work, dedication and perseverance, he rose into the ranks at the club. Under his leadership, Liverpool won the 2019 Champions League. He also led the Merseyside outfit to the 2020 Premier League title, ending their 30-year domestic league drought. 

In a decorated career spanning over 10 years, Henderson scored 33 goals and assisted 58 times in 492 games. Be it Champions League, Premier League or FA Cup, he won them all before leaving the club. 

7. Sammy Lee (1978-86)

Sammy Lee was one of the most important figures in English football in the ‘’80s. He was in his own league, thanks to his trophy-laden career which saw Liverpool reaching new heights. The decorated midfielder lifted 10 trophies in less than 10 years as a Red. He was a cog in the attacking wheel of Bob Paisley’s glorious side. His presence of mind and quick-passing ability in the middle made him a lethal weapon in Liverpool’s armory. 

He featured in every single game in the 1983-84 season, a feat that explains his dedication for the club. 

6. Ronnie Whelan (1981-1994)

Hailing from a family with a rich football background, Ronnie Whelan was destined to be a great player. He played an important role in evolving the style of play in the middle for Liverpool. The talented playmaker won every possible trophy during his stint at Anfield. 

The Irish star midfielder displayed unwavering leadership qualities to lead the Reds even in their darkest phase in 1989. 493 games, 73 goals, 41 assists and a cabinet full of trophies including six English top flight trophies, three League Cups and three FA Cups – that’s how he cemented his name as one of the best Liverpool midfielders.

5. Terry McDermott (1974-1982)

Terry McDermott was the funniest yet most active player in Liverpool. A five-time English top flight and three-time European champion, McDermott showed resilience and great composure at the same time to bring results for the Reds. 

In 329 games, the Liverpool midfielder scored 81 goals while assisting 57 times. He also lifted one European Super Cup and one UEFA Cup. 

4. Ray Kennedy (1974-1981)

If adaptability had another name, then it would be Ray Kennedy. The legendary midfielder has been placed in the top five of the greatest Liverpool midfielders, courtesy of his versatility. Joining Liverpool in 1974, Kennedy changed his playing position from a forward to an ever-green wide midfielder, who used to tear apart tight defense with his accurate forward passes. 

He was instrumental in Liverpool’s five domestic league winning campaigns in seven years between ‘70s and’ 80s. One of the underrated midfielders, Kennedy was a shining jewel in the Premier League. In his eight-year stay at Anfield, he won three European Cups, one European Super Cup and several domestic titles, registering 72 goals and 5 assists to his name.

3. Ian Callaghan (1960-1978)

Ian Callaghan is a folkloric figure in the history of Liverpool. The club faithfuls called “Marathon Man” for his loyalty, stamina and career longevity. After joining the Reds in 1959, Callaghan left the club after 19 long years. In this period, he became the player with the most number of games at Liverpool, a feat that has written an eternal legacy for him. 

Callaghan helped the Merseyside outfit to touch the pinnacle of football in the ‘’60s and ‘70s. He scored 68 goals despite being a midfielder who mostly played as a double pivot in the middle. 

2. Graeme Souness (1978-1984)

Football fans today mostly know Graeme Souness as a great commentator who appears on television channels to analyze Premier League games. But, he was not only a normal player in the Premier League, but also was one of the most iconic players in Liverpool history. Souness was like a commander-in-chief in the Reds’ midfield. He led the Premier League side from the front during their most glorious days when they clinched five league and three European titles. In 359 games, he amassed 55 goals and 36 assists, and went on to become one of the greatest midfielders of Liverpool.

1. Steven Gerrard (1998-2015)

Steven Gerrard tops the list of the best Liverpool midfielders of all-time. The English playmaker epitomized Liverpool’s hunger for glory by demonstrating the club’s rendition “You’ll never walk alone” in the most perfect way. 

Stamina, strength, brilliance and vision of the play were the salient features in Gerrard’s style of play. And he glided across the time-honored history of the Premier League outfit with eye-catching assists and a bunch of silverwares. He spent 17 years at Anfield and won everything except a Premier League title, scoring 186 goals in 710 games. Gerrard is a Liverpool hero who has etched his legacy in every fans’ heart

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