On the back of a discussion had on the United board this morning, the question arose as to which individual players had been the biggest game changers at different clubs as regards their impact and influence on that club's fortunes.
So who would you say was the biggest game changer at Liverpool?
King Kenny's was the first name that was brought up, but would you consider any other players in terms of constructing the modern-day Liverpool legend?
I was wondering if you could fit him into a mould similar to Cantona's at United - not that you might feel the urge to do so - but speaking in the sense that there was definitely a before and after the Frenchman arrived to Old Trafford. He wasn't the most decorated United legend; he wasn't even remotely the most decorated United player in modern times, but speak to United fans and many will agree that his impact was more enduring for them than that of any player they've had since.
I'm a bit too young to fully remember, but I do recall Keegan being something of a demi-God when I was a wee-un, but I've no idea whether anyone would consider his arrival signalling a breakthrough moment for Liverpool, the one who really set you on the path.
So, what's your take - one of these two, or would you care to suggest a different name?
And how about in bygone days - could you single out any one player without whom you reckon your club would never have been the same?
I realise many of you will say none of it would've been possible without Shankley or Paisley, but who would your picks be if you had to focus solely on players?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Who were the game changers for Liverpool
posted on 22/11/16
All input appreciated, and it's your discussion now, though personally I was thinking about a more limited scope - the one, two or perhaps three whose arrival and influence you'd say have had the biggest impact on the club's history.
Otherwise I think it'll just end up being a list of very good players.
posted on 22/11/16
Alan Kennedy. Paisley had more enquiries about him from other managers/clubs than every other player in the LFC squad.
Ian Rush. For me, more skilled than KK who was a fantastic player for the club.
Torres and Suarez. I doubt if they can be bettered.
JimmyTheRed
posted on 22/11/16
To establish a parallel with my own club, Alfredo Di Stefano was undoubtedly that man. After he arrived, nothing was ever the same again.
In modern times it would be much harder to say. Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo (1 & 2) could all be considered symbolic of an era, but the club had seen success in the preceding years, and it would be hard to single out any one player as being the catalyst for bringing back the European Cup after 32 years.
Hugely debatable, but I'd say Michael Laudrup's short stint with us could have been a key moment, as his transfer from Barça signalled the demise of Cruyff's Dream Team. Without breaking their stranglehold it's unlikely we'd have gone on to achieve great success in the late 90s/early 00s success.
posted on 22/11/16
I can remember actually crying when Keegan left, and then finding out we had signed some Scottish guy I had never heard of called Kenny Dalglish....
He became the biggest influence of that generation imo.
posted on 22/11/16
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 22/11/16
comment by Mourinho delenda est (U6426)
posted 15 hours, 29 minutes ago
As much as I recognise Barnes, I had so much time for Beardsley myself. Was already in Spain in those days and rarely got the chance to see L'pool play. When I did, he'd be the one I most enjoyed watching.
---------------------------------
Beardsley was sold far to early because he was still doing it 5 years later for Newcastle after a good spell at the BS.
One of many mistakes made by Souness.
posted on 22/11/16
John Barnes is a good example as well, not only because he was an outstanding footballer but because he was the first high profile black footballer to play for us. I remember the abuse he used to get, it shocked me and really made me and a lot of people more aware of just how bad racism actually was in the 80's.
posted on 22/11/16
It's political correctness gone mad that you can no longer abuse a player for being black.
posted on 22/11/16
Billy Liddell.
Without him there wouldn't have been a Keegan a Dalglish or a Digger in a Liverpool shirt.
In the 50's when we were relegated we were a really poor outfit with a poor squad and poor managers.
Liddell single handedly stopped us from plummeting even further down the divisions - and becoming the equivalent of todays Accrington Stanley - scoring 119 goals in this division in 192 appearances, thus keeping us there until a certain Scottish gentleman by the name of William Shankly came along
posted on 22/11/16
comment by Redinthehead - FreeGaza - فلسطين (U1860)
posted 13 hours, 19 minutes ago
comment by T Bone Steak Roysters (U3947)
posted 2 hours, 30 minutes ago
Kenny
Barnes
Beardsley
Gary Mac
Torres
Suarez
In that order
----------
Young lad named Steven Gerod or something forgettable huh?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
He didn't change games in his first season. Kenny, Barnes and beardsley did.