Top 20+ footballers you completely forgot once played for Liverpool

Forgotten

Few clubs boast a history as celebrated as Liverpool’s, filled with heroes and major triumphs. Still, plenty of names have faded from view over the years. Short stays, bad luck with injuries or more successful spells with other clubs mean these 20 players are not always remembered for their time at Anfield.

Philipp Degen (2008-2011)

The Swiss defender joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2008 as one of the most in-demand attacking full-backs in Europe. However, his Anfield career was hampered by persistent injuries. Degen made just 13 appearances across three seasons, per Transfermarkt, spending most of his time in the treatment room.

Brad Friedel (1997–2000)

Before finding Premier League fame at Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham, the American goalkeeper had a brief stint at Liverpool. He primarily served as backup to David James and later Sander Westerveld before establishing his reputation elsewhere.

Gabriel Paletta (2006-2007)

The Argentina-born centre-back joined Liverpool as a young prospect in 2006, but his first-team opportunities were extremely limited. Paletta made just eight appearances (per Transfermarkt) before being sold to Boca Juniors. However, his European adventure didn't end there: he later found success in Serie A with Parma and AC Milan, and represented Italy at international level.

Nuri Şahin (2012-2013)

The Turkish midfielder's loan spell from Real Madrid was brief and forgettable. Despite his talent and success at Borussia Dortmund, Şahin managed just seven Premier League appearances under Brendan Rodgers, according to Transfermarkt, many of which were out of position, before returning to Madrid and later rejoining the German side.

Victor Moses (2013-2014)

Moses joined on loan from Chelsea but failed to make an impact at Anfield. According to Transfermarkt, the winger made 22 appearances, scoring twice, but looked a shadow of the player who would later help Chelsea win the Premier League under Antonio Conte as a wing-back.

Sebastián Coates (2011-2015)

The Uruguayan defender arrived from Nacional but struggled to adapt to the Premier League's pace and intensity. Despite scoring a memorable scissor kick against QPR (pictured), Coates made only 24 appearances across four seasons. After spending time at Sunderland, he eventually found success at Sporting Lisbon, where he went on to become the club's long-term captain.

Jari Litmanen (2001–2002)

The legendary Finn arrived from Barcelona as a free agent as he was approaching the twilight of his career. However, despite his world-class ability and Champions League-winning pedigree with Ajax, recurring injuries and Gerard Houllier's preference for Emile Heskey as Michael Owen's forward partner ultimately prevented fans from seeing his genius on a regular basis.

Mauricio Pellegrino (2005)

The experienced Argentinian defender was signed by Rafael Benítez from his former club Valencia in January 2005 on a six-month deal. The future Southampton and Leganés manager made just 13 appearances, per Transfermarkt, before returning to Spain.

Steven Caulker (2016)

The centre-back's loan from QPR was one of the strangest signings in Liverpool's recent history. Caulker made just four appearances, according to Transfermarkt, including a bizarre cameo as an emergency striker, before disappearing from Anfield as quickly as he'd arrived.

Robbie Keane (2008)

The Republic of Ireland striker's big-money move from Tottenham lasted just half a season. Despite his obvious talent, Keane managed only seven goals in 28 appearances, per Transfermarkt, before returning to Spurs in January, having failed to strike up an effective partnership with Fernando Torres.

Fernando Morientes (2005-2006)

Neco Williams (2019-2022)

The Welsh full-back graduated from Liverpool's academy but found his path to the first team blocked by Trent Alexander-Arnold. As a result, he was allowed to move to Nottingham Forest, where he has since established himself as one of the Premier League's most consistent performers.

Scott Carson (2005-2008)

The England goalkeeper was once tipped as Liverpool's future number one, but was never able to displace Pepe Reina. Amid multiple loan moves, Carson made just a handful of appearances before moving permanently to West Bromwich Albion. He later found 'fame' as Manchester City's long-term third-choice goalkeeper.

Joe Cole (2010-2013)

A standout star at West Ham and Chelsea, Cole's free transfer move to Liverpool promised much but delivered little. Sent off on his debut (pictured), the winger struggled with injuries and form and looked a shadow of his former self, never recapturing his Stamford Bridge magic.

Conor Coady (2011-2014)

Now a Premier League veteran, Coady came through Liverpool's youth system but never broke into the first team. At that time a central midfielder, he made just two senior appearances, per Transfermarkt, before joining Huddersfield Town and eventually becoming a Premier League stalwart at Wolves, Everton and Leicester.

Alberto Aquilani (2009-2012)

Signed to replace Xabi Alonso, the Italian's move from AS Roma was a complete disaster. Having arrived with a serious injury, Aquilani faced significant challenges in adapting to life in England and made just 28 appearances in three seasons (according to Transfermarkt), spending time on loan at Juventus and AC Milan.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (2017-2021)

While successful at Liverpool, many forget the England midfielder's four-year stint due to a horrific knee injury that sidelined him for over a year. Oxlade-Chamberlain won the Premier League and Champions League, but his injury-hit spell, plus the abundance of other talent in the squad at the time, means he's often overlooked.