Best Liverpool Players Of The Premier League Era
Liverpool Football Club has been home to numerous footballing legends throughout the Premier League period. Selecting the top five players is a challenging task, but based on their contributions, impact, and legacy, here are the standout performers.
This article is part of our series on the best ever Premier League players, which you can read about by clicking here.
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard epitomises Liverpool’s spirit and determination. Making his debut in 1998, Gerrard’s career at Anfield spanned 17 years, during which he became the heartbeat of the team.
Operating primarily as a central midfielder, his versatility allowed him to excel in various roles, from a deep-lying playmaker to an attacking midfielder. Gerrard’s leadership was instrumental in Liverpool’s memorable 2005 UEFA Champions League triumph, where he inspired a comeback from 3-0 down to win on penalties against AC Milan.
His individual accolades include being named PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2006 and FWA Footballer of the Year in 2009. Gerrard’s loyalty and consistent high-level performances have cemented his status as a Liverpool icon. citeturn0search6
Mohamed Salah
Since joining Liverpool in 2017, Mohamed Salah has redefined goal-scoring standards in the Premier League. In his debut season, he set the record for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League campaign, netting 32 times.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Salah’s ability to provide assists and his work rate have been invaluable. He played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2019 UEFA Champions League victory and was instrumental in ending the club’s 30-year league title drought by clinching the Premier League in the 2019-2020 season.
His accolades include multiple Premier League Golden Boots and being named PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Jamie Carragher
A one-club man, Jamie Carragher’s defensive resilience was a cornerstone for Liverpool during his 17-year professional career. Primarily operating as a centre-back, Carragher was renowned for his tactical intelligence, leadership, and commitment.
He holds the record for the most appearances in European competition for Liverpool and was instrumental in the club’s 2005 UEFA Champions League success. His partnership in defence provided stability, and his versatility allowed him to fill various roles across the backline when needed.
Robbie Fowler
Nicknamed “God” by Liverpool fans, Robbie Fowler was a natural goal scorer whose instinct in front of goal made him one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers in the 1990s. He burst onto the scene with a remarkable five-goal haul against Fulham in 1993 and continued to terrorise defences with his clinical finishing.
Fowler’s contributions were pivotal during his time at the club, and his goal-scoring exploits have left an indelible mark on Liverpool’s history.
Virgil van Dijk
Since his arrival in January 2018, Virgil van Dijk has truly transformed Liverpool’s defence. His commanding presence, aerial ability, and composure on the ball have been crucial in solidifying the team’s backline.
Van Dijk’s impact was immediate, leading to a UEFA Champions League final appearance in 2018 and victory in 2019. He was also instrumental in Liverpool’s 2019-2020 Premier League title win, their first in 30 years.
His individual accolades include being named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and UEFA Men’s Player of the Year in 2019.
Conclusion
These five players have not only showcased exceptional talent but have also left lasting legacies at Liverpool Football Club during the Premier League era, whether they helped deliver success in domestic competitions, the European stage, or both.