After a disastrous 2014-15 campaign followed on from such high hopes the season before, Liverpool Football Club have undoubtedly been one of the most active in the summer tansfer window to date.
No less than six acquisitions have arrived at Melwood, as well as young Belgian striker Divock Origi, who will join the club after his season-long loan in France with Lille.
For many of these signings, big question marks over what qualities they will bring to Brendan Rogers’ squad remain, although one particular fresh face, well known to EPL followers, could provide the long suffering Red faithful some reason for optimism as the new season approaches.
That player is England international James Milner, formerly of Manchester City (aswell as Aston Villa and Newcastle amongst other former clubs) whose signature was secured on a free transfer.
A player with title winning and Champions League experience who can play a variety of roles centrally, out wide or even as a striker, 29-year-old Milner will grace the pitch of Anfield wearing the iconic No.7 shirt, worn by some of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
So while time will tell as to the success or otherwise behind Milner’s time at the Reds, Outside90’s Benny Jones takes a look back at the top five stars who have worn the number with great distinction.
5. Harry Kewell (139 appearances/16 goals)
A touch of Australian bias here naturally, but Kewell’s arrival at Liverpool at the beginning of the 2003-04 season was the realisation of a lifelong dream for the then 24-year-old Sydney product. Sadly, regular soft tissue injuries would curtail the Socceroo star’s time at Anfield and ultimately see him substituted out of two big Cup finals, but his role in the lead up to Liverpools eventual Champions League success in the 2004-05 European campaign will never be forgotten by modern day Red’s fans.
This goal against Merseyside rivals Everton in 2006 was pretty handy as well.
4. Peter Beardsley (175 appearances/59 goals)
While looking at times an unfashionable footballer, Beardsley, with ball at feet, was simply a magician. Part of the last Liverpool title winning line-up in 1990-91, his partnership with John Barnes in particular provided many breathless moments for Reds fans. A versatile player who could run the show centrally or sneak forward, which he did to great success with Welsh talisman Ian Rush, Beardsley was also there during the dark days of Hillsborough, and was seen attending the funerals and memorials for many Liverpool fans who tragically lost their lives.
Here is 10 of Beardley’s best during his stint at the Reds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS___PFlR1k
3. Kevin Keegan (323 appearances/100 goals)
It took Keegan just 12 minutes to win the hearts of Kopites after his arrival in 1971, scoring on debut. In partnership with John Toshack up front, the tireless winger-come-striker had a happy knack of scoring important goals in big games. Winning countless trophies during his seven year stint at the club, Keegan’s popularity in England reached pop star like status. In his last ever game, the man affectionately known as “Mighty Mouse” helped win Liverpool a European Cup in a 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in Rome. He left for a new challenge in Germany the following season, but fortunately for Red’s fans, the man signed to replace him in the No.7 proved to be handy in his own right.
Take a look at five memorable Kevin Keegan moments with Liverpool, the last of which quite simply stunning.
2. Luis Suarez (133 appearances/82 goals)
If we can ignore the on-field controversies for a moment, and yes there were plenty, Suarez swept through Anfield like a tornado, brief but destructive during his four year stay, and to within a whisker of a return to the promised land and a long awaited 19th league title. Capable of scoring from anywhere, with both feet, with his head, of delivering the unthinkable through ball to set up a teammate, the deadly Uraguyan brought passion and belief back to Liverpool, scoring 31 goals in just 33 league appearences during 2013-14. In turn he became just the seventh player to reach the 30 goal milestone in a single EPL season.
https://youtu.be/mMyBu1_nL28
1. Kenny Dalglish (501 appearances/169 goals)
King Kenny. What more can one say? The name is revered around Anfield. So much so he was voted the greatest Liverpool player of all time by the toughest judges of them all, the fans. Over 500 club appearances, over 150 goals, his determination and desire to win, and particularly his guidance as manager through the harrowing days that followed the Hillsborough tragedy. Dalglish’s footballing resume as both player and manager reads about as impressivly as anyone who has played the game. Simply the best Anfield has seen.
Here is a compilation of some of ‘King Kenny’s’ great goals and assists wearing the iconic No.7
Honourable mentions
Steve McManaman (364 appearances/66 goals)
Vladimir Smicer (184/19)
John Aldridge (104/63)
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