From Steven Gerrard to Virgil Van Dijk, Anfield has seen some truly special players this decade. The last 10 years have seen Liverpool go from the brink of administration with a squad barely fit for the Premier League to having seven Ballon D’or nominees in the same season and lifting the Champions League.
As we approach 2020, we have asked a selection of our writers to pick their Liverpool team of the last decade.
“Sterling was immense playing off the left side”
Toby Corkin: The back five picks itself in my eyes; nobody comes near to the current Liverpool defence. The addition of Jamie Carragher’s leadership qualities would definitely boost this team immensely.
Mo Salah near enough cements his place into every Liverpool XI these days on the right side, but the other side goes to Raheem Sterling in my eyes. His role in the 2013/14 season goes completely under the radar. Sterling was immense playing off the left side and controversially makes my team.
The strike force consists of an unbelievably talented individual, and a workaholic goalscorer. Suarez was at one point, probably, the third best player in the world, and the season mentioned above was his best by far. Sadio Mane, however, is a different style of player who still contributes to goal tallies season-on-season.
Formation: 4-2-2-2
XI: Alisson; Alexander Arnold; Carragher; Van Dijk; Robertson; Fabinho; Gerrard; Salah; Sterling; Suarez; Mane.
“The thought of having Luis Suarez in this current side is tantalising.”
Jake Borrer: Alisson edges out tough competition from Pepe Reina to gain a place in between the sticks. Whilst both brilliant shot-stoppers and equally adept at distributing the ball, the Brazilian gets the nod. The impact he’s had is enormous, transforming a leaky Liverpool defence into Champions League winners.
Three of the four defenders pick themselves. Van Dijk has a shout for being one of the clubs greatest ever players and is currently the best centre back in the world, whilst the two fullbacks are arguably the finest the club has seen since the 80s. Although any centre-back from the last decade would look great alongside dutchman, I have gone for Agger to partner him as he was probably the most gifted of the bunch, plus he was a danger from anywhere inside 35 yards.
Even a slightly older Steven Gerrard has to get into my side. We may not have seen him at his best this decade, but his leadership and match-winning ability makes him a no-brainer. I believe with Fabinho anchoring the midfield we could accommodate his compatriot Coutinho’s trickery and flair in a free role behind the forwards. The creativity of this midfield alongside the fullbacks would mean even Fabio Borini would find the net regularly.
Whilst it feels strange splitting up the famous front three, the thought of having Luis Suarez in this current side is tantalising. We saw at Barcelona just how incredible he could be when he was not burdened with carrying the team on his back, and with Salah and Mane alongside him; he would form the focal point of a devastating front line. The likes of Firmino and Sturridge are unlucky to miss out but this was a very tough decision.
I had to give a special spot on the subs bench for Divock Origi. The Belgian has given me some of my happiest moments as a Liverpool fan this season, and his knack for a big goal off the bench would be invaluable.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
XI: Alisson; Trent; VVD; Agger; Robertson; Fabinho; Gerrard (c); Salah; Coutinho; Mane; Suarez
SUB: Origi
“Glen Johnson had his moments on the right-hand side but his inability to cross looks even worse when you compare them to Trent’s deliveries”
Ryan Farrell: Virgil Van Dijk is my Vice-Captain in this side, and alongside him, I have gone with Martin Skrtel. The Slovak was solid throughout the start of the decade and he provided 6 goals in the Reds’ title run campaign in the 2013/14 season.
The easiest selection in the team has to be the two current full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Glen Johnson had his moments on the right-hand side but his inability to cross looks even worse when you compare them to Trent’s deliveries.
Up top are Liverpool’s current two wingers, Salah and Mane. Honourable mention to Dirk Kuyt who misses out on the starting eleven. Luis Suarez makes up the front three, as his ability to win a game from nothing edges out fan favourite, Roberto Firmino.
Formation: 4-3-3
XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Van Dijk; Skrtel; Robertson; Fabinho; Gerrard (c); Coutinho; Mane; Salah; Suarez
“Phillipe Coutinho is a player who could not be ignored”
Harry Jones: The choice of formation is very attacking but that is due to the amount of world-class attacking players who have been at the club over the last 10 years. It would be tough to leave them all out, so I have decided to sacrifice some midfield solidity in order to score and create more goals.
I decided to go with Steven Gerrard as my captain and the only holding midfielder in my team. His vision and range of pass was unlike anything else and with the pace and skill ahead of him he would be the perfect person to launch attacks. Phillipe Coutinho is a player who could not be ignored, and playing in such an attacking set up would suit him perfectly.
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2
XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold; Carragher; Van Dijk; Robertson; Gerrard; Mane; Salah; Coutinho; Suarez; Firmino
Who makes your team of the decade? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter.
Feature Photo: Credits – Eddie Janssens; Дмитрий Голубович licensed by Creative Commons
