The number 7 jersey – it’s like a badge of honor for the most skilled and exciting players in football. And for Liverpool, it’s no exception.
The Reds have had their fair share of legends who’ve worn the legendary number 7 shirt with pride, leaving a solid boot-print on the club’s history.
From the dazzling wingers of the past to the modern-day superstars, the number seven shirt has been a symbol of excellence, creativity, and sheer brilliance on the pitch. And it’s a huge responsibility to live up to the standards set by those who’ve worn it before.
So, who are the best of the best?
Who are the top 10 Liverpool players to have worn the number 7 jersey? Let’s dig deep and find out.
Liverpool’s Number 7 Shirt In History
1. Kenny Dalglish
Kenny Dalglish is widely regarded as Liverpool’s greatest-ever player, and for good reason. Not only did he excel as the team’s No.7, but his impressive skills and achievements make a strong case for him as the best player in the club’s history, regardless of jersey number.
Dalglish retired with 102 caps for Scotland, a prolific striker, leaving a good print on the pitch with his elegant playing style.
During his 13-year tenure with Liverpool, Dalglish won 20 trophies, including three European Cups, eight First Division titles, and several domestic cups.
He was a consistent goal-scorer, netting 170 goals in 510 games, and his exceptional touch and vision made him a key player in Liverpool’s dominant teams of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Dalglish’s impressive stats and accolades only tell part of the story.
He was a true legend of the game, and his contributions to Liverpool’s success are still celebrated by fans today. His trophy haul and individual achievements cement his status as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history.
2. Kevin Keegan
The name alone brings back memories of a bygone era of footballing excellence.
His time at Liverpool was nothing short of phenomenal, with the mercurial forward weaving magic on the pitch that left fans and opponents alike in awe. 319 games, 100 goals, and 86 assists later, Keegan had carved his name into the history of Anfield history.
It wasn’t just his numbers that made him special – it was the way he played the game.
With a burst of pace, a dash of skill, and a work ethic that bordered on the obsessive, Keegan was the complete package.
Keegan’s trophy cabinet is solid proof to his greatness, with a European Cup, two league titles, and a host of other honours bearing witness to his impact on the team.
And yet, it’s the memories of his performances that truly endure – the way he’d move past defenders, the precision of his passing, and the sheer joy he brought to the game.
A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Keegan’s success didn’t stop at Liverpool.
3. Luis Suarez
The mere mention of his name sends shivers down the spines of defenders and delight to the hearts of Liverpool fans. His three-year stint at Anfield was a whirlwind of controversy, brilliance, and sheer, unadulterated goal-scoring genius.
The Uruguayan maestro’s stats are simply jaw-dropping – 82 goals and 34 assists in just 133 games, proof of his uncanny ability to find the back of the net from seemingly impossible angles.
And yet, it’s not just the numbers that define Suarez’s legacy; it’s the way he played the game with passion, intensity, and creativity that left fans and pundits alike in awe.
His time on Merseyside was marked by controversy, but it’s his on-field exploits that will forever be etched in the memories of Kopites. Who can forget his maverick performances, his ability to conjure something out of nothing, and his unwavering dedication to the Reds?
Suarez may have only lifted one trophy during his time at Liverpool – the 2012 League Cup – but his impact on the club goes far beyond mere silverware.
He’s a Liverpool legend, a player who will be remembered for generations to come as one of the greatest strikers to ever wear the No 7 jersey.
4. Ian Callaghan
The quiet giant of Liverpool’s glorious past.
While he may not have sought the spotlight, his incredible contributions to the Reds’ success cannot be ignored. A true Anfield legend, Callaghan spent 19 years serving the club with unwavering dedication, rising from the academy ranks to become a cornerstone of the team.
With 839 appearances, Callaghan’s commitment to the cause was an indication of his unshakeable passion for the Reds. He was the heartbeat of Liverpool’s dominant midfield, providing the foundation for the team’s attacking flair.
His impressive trophy haul, including two European Cups, five First Division titles, and two FA Cups, is a reflection of his enduring quality.
He was the epitome of a Liverpool legend – a true servant of the club who always put the team first.
His nickname, “the iron man,” speaks volumes about his durability and consistency. He was the glue that held the team together, providing a sense of continuity and stability that allowed his more flamboyant teammates to flourish.
Despite being overlooked by some, Callaghan’s influence on Liverpool’s success during the 1960s and 1970s cannot be overstated. He was the unsung hero, the quiet leader who led by example.
His legacy may not be as flashy as some of his contemporaries, but it is no less important.
5. John Aldridge
This Liverpool-born striker’s journey to the top was far from easy, but when he finally arrived, he left a good print on the club’s history.
Aldridge’s time at Anfield was like a whirlwind romance – short, sweet, and utterly captivating.
In just 104 appearances, he netted 63 goals, each one a show of his clinical finishing and instinctive movement. And who can forget that unforgettable FA Cup final in 1989? His goal within the first four minutes set the tone for a thrilling match that would see Liverpool lift the coveted trophy.
His partnership with John Barnes and Peter Beardsley was pure magic, leaving defenders bewildered and fans in awe. His clever runs, clever finishes, and sheer determination made him a joy to watch.
He may not have been at Anfield for long, but his impact was pretty good.
6. Peter Beardsley
Graeme Souness’s ill-fated tenure at Liverpool was marked by a series of missteps, but none more devastating than the departure of Peter Beardsley to arch-rivals Everton in 1991.
Beardsley’s four-year stint at Anfield was a joy to behold, as he mesmerized fans with his flair and creativity on the pitch.
A versatile player capable of playing through the middle or on either flank, Beardsley’s on-the-ball exploits were a wonder to behold. His impressive haul of 59 goals and 46 assists shows his tireless work ethic, which earned him a special place in the hearts of the demanding Liverpool fanbase.
Beardsley’s dedication and skill were rewarded with two league titles and an FA Cup win during his time at Liverpool. His partnership with John Aldridge, John Barnes, and Steve McMahon was a key factor in the team’s success, and his departure was deeply felt.
Despite his move to Everton, Beardsley’s legacy at Liverpool remains untarnished.
7. Steve McManaman
Taking over the number 7 jersey from Nigel Clough in 1996, McManaman had big shoes to fill, but he carved out his own unique legacy at Anfield.
While his tenure may not have been laden with silverware, McManaman’s impact on the club cannot be overstated. With 63 goals and 21 assists to his name, that’s some honors to the Reds’ history books.
He was a homegrown talent, nurtured through the Liverpool academy, and went on to make over 350 appearances for the club.
His departure to Real Madrid in 1999 was a bitter pill to swallow for some fans, but it’s hard to hold that against him. He was a true Liverpool great, a gangly, skill-happy winger with a penchant for producing moments of magic.
Despite the acrimonious nature of his exit, McManaman’s time on Merseyside is remembered fondly by the majority.
8. Billy Liddell
Despite winning only one major trophy during his remarkable 15-year tenure at Anfield, his impact on the club cannot be overstated.
He was the beacon of hope during the tumultuous post-war period, shouldering the responsibility of carrying the Reds through their darkest days.
This Scottish sensation was the epitome of an all-rounder – blessed with the ability to go past opponents with ease, while also possessing a thunderous strike that could rattle the net from anywhere.
His aerial dominance and unwavering toughness made him a force to be reckoned with, earning him the popular nick ‘Liddellpool’.
Liddell set the benchmark for those who followed, becoming the club’s first-ever superstar and cementing his place among the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, with 534 appearances, 228 goals, and 63 assists.
In an era where the beautiful game was still finding its footing, Liddell’s greatness shone bright.
9. James Milner
When he arrived at Anfield in 2015, wearing the number 7 jersey, few could have predicted the impact he would have. Not the most flashy player, but a dependable and versatile workhorse, Milner proved to be a Jurgen Klopp favorite, seamlessly adapting to various positions.
As Liverpool’s longest-serving No.7, spanning eight seasons, Milner’s grit and determination were instrumental in the Reds’ resurgence.
His contributions to the Champions League win in 2019 and the Premier League title win in 2020 cannot be exaggerated. Without his tireless efforts, it’s uncertain whether Liverpool would have reached such lofty heights.
Milner’s stats may not jump off the page – 332 appearances, 26 goals, and 46 assists – but his influence extends far beyond numbers.
He was the glue that held the team together, a true leader who embodied the Klopp ethos.
Plying his trade at Brighton, his legacy at Liverpool remains intact. He may not have been the most glamorous number 7, but his dedication, work rate, and unwavering commitment made him a beloved figure among the Anfield faithful.
10. Luis Diaz
The latest sensation to wear the revered number 7 jersey at Anfield, has experienced a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows since he arrived from Porto in 2022.
His maiden season was a dazzling display of skill, pace, and flair, leaving fans and pundits alike purring over his potential.
However, as the seasons have progressed, the Colombian winger’s form has been a mixed bag. Moments of sheer brilliance have been tempered by frustrating inconsistencies, leaving many wondering if he has the mettle to lead the Reds to greatness.
Despite a respectable haul of silverware, including an FA Cup, League Cup, and Community Shield, Diaz still finds himself at the bottom of the pecking order among Liverpool’s No.7 legends.
The whispers of a potential move away from Anfield only add to the pressure.
Can Diaz rediscover his mojo and prove himself worthy of the iconic number 7 shirt? Only time will tell. For now, he remains an enigmatic talent, capable of moments of magic, but also prone to spells of mediocrity.
The Anfield faithful hold their breath, hoping he’ll find the consistency to join the ranks of the Reds’ all-time greats.
10 Of The Greatest Players To Wear The Number 10 Jersey | 2023
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