Liverpool FC's greatest XI of all time

There are few clubs like Liverpool

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Few clubs in world football have a legacy quite like Liverpool. From magical European nights to dominating the league, the Reds have built a reputation for producing unforgettable teams and moments.

Liverpool heros

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

With their 20th league title in the bag after the 2025 season, it feels like the perfect time to look back and pick the ultimate all-time Liverpool starting XI.

Ray Clemence - GK

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

By far, one of the most influential players in Liverpool's history. The legendary goalkeeper won five league titles, and three European cups during his 14-year stint at Anfield. From 1967 to 1981, he kept 322 clean sheets in 663 games.

Phil Neal - RB

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Neal is often labelled as one of the best right-backs to ever play in British football. His athleticism and durability during the 90 minutes made him a valuable player on both defence and offence. His constant support down the right wing resembled that of a modern full-back, not one during the 70s. The Liverpool defender was ahead of his time, and displayed some great football during his years at Anfield.

Alan Hansen - CB

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Legendary Scottish defender Alan Hansen carved himself a name in the Liverpool history books following his long spell at the club. The dominant centre back was one of the best at his position at the time. Despite his great physical abilities, he was extremely talented on the ball, dictating possession from the back.

Virgil van Dijk - CB

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk back in January 2018 for a hefty transfer fee. Nevertheless, the Dutch center back proved to be one of the best defenders to ever play at Anfield, displaying impressive leadership. Van Dijk was and still is an important player for Liverpool and has decided to stay at Anfield until mid-2027.

Andrew Robertson - LB

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Robertson is considered to be one of the greatest left-backs in the Premier League. The Scotsman has been a key player for Liverpool for the past eight years, where he has won multiple honours, including a two Premier League titles and a Champions League in 2019.

Graeme Souness - CM

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Graeme Souness was a wonderful player for Liverpool during the 70s and 80s. He was the backbone of the team, dictating play in the midfield. His determination and work rate on the pitch made him one of the best defensive midfielders at the time. He won three European Cups across his 359 official appearances with Liverpool.

Steven Gerrard - CM

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Steven Gerrard, a true modern icon for the club, has been elevated to the pinnacle of football honours. Despite being extremely talented, he never won a league title with Liverpool. He joined the club at 9 and left at 35, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. He scored 186 goals, and handed 155 assists in 710 official appearances for Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah - RW

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Sitting as the third-highest goalscorer in Liverpool's history, Mohamad Salah stands as a Liverpool legend, despite still playing for them. The 32-year-old winger has extended his contract at Anfield until 2027, reports Sky Sports, and looks set to become an even greater Liverpool legend.

Ian Rush - ST

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Ian Rush still stands as Liverpool's all-time top goalscorer, with 339 goals to his name. The former Welsh footballer was an absolute sensation during the 80s. Labelled Liverpool's 'Golden Boy,' he enjoyed two successful spells at the club.

John Barnes - LW

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

John Barnes helped the Reds through some of their more turbulent spells during the 90s. The left-winger scored 107 goals and handed 92 assists in 406 official appearances for the club.

Bob Paisley - Manager

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

With 20 major honours in nine years at the club's helm, Bob Paisley is Liverpool's greatest-ever manager. He led the club to domestic and continental domination, winning three European Cups, six league titles, a UEFA Cup, and three League Cups.

Honorable mentions

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Liverpool's history has been riddled with world-class talents throughout the years, making it especially difficult to narrow it down to a starting XI. Nevertheless, we didn't want to leave out any honourable mentions, so here they are.

Bruce Grobbelaar - GK

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Grobbelaar is remembered as one of the best goalkeepers to ever play the game. Despite his crazy antics, he was a world-class goalkeeper who forged himself a remarkable legacy following his time at Liverpool. The African keeper won the League championship six times, as well as three FA Cups, three League Cups and the infamous 1984 European Cup.

Jamie Carragher - CB

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - STCB)" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1A7SC3.img?w=800"/>

Carragher became the Scouse rock at the centre of the Liverpool defence from 1996 to 2013. The one-club man scored four goals and handed 20 assists in 737 official appearances for Liverpool. "There may be more skilful players in the squad, but no one can ever say I don't give 100%," he told media after a match, reports LFC History.

Jan Mølby - CM

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Jan Mølby was another influential player for Liverpool during the 80s and 90s. The Danish midfielder scored 58 goals and handed 39 assists in 283 official appearances for the Reds.

Robbie Fowler - LW

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Robbie Fowler was another great forward for Liverpool who contributed to the club's success. He was a great finisher in front of the goal, earning himself the nickname of 'God' by the Liverpool faithful. Fowler scored 183 goals and handed 50 assists in 369 games for the club.

Luis Suarez - ST

There are few clubs like Liverpool, Liverpool heros, Ray Clemence - GK, Phil Neal - RB, Alan Hansen - CB, Virgil van Dijk - CB, Andrew Robertson - LB, Graeme Souness - CM, Steven Gerrard - CM, Mohamed Salah - RW, Ian Rush - ST, John Barnes - LW, Bob Paisley - Manager, Honorable mentions, Bruce Grobbelaar - GK, Jamie Carragher - CB, Jan Mølby - CM, Robbie Fowler - LW, Luis Suarez - ST

Luis Suarez only three and a half seasons at Anfield, but it was three seasons that will never be forgotten by anyone at the club. His 2013-14 season was on another level, scoring 31 goals in 33 Premier League games. He won the League Cup in 2012.