Liverpool’s World-Class Midfielders: A History of Creativity and Control

The most important part of any successful team is the midfield. It is the space where games are won and lost, and the teams that win the most have the best balance between discipline and creativity. For much of Liverpool's history, especially in the 70s and 80s, they had perfected this balance with some of the most influential midfielders in English football. From destroyers to magicians, their midfielders through the years tell a story of adaptability and talent.

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The Current Title Winners

The current midfield is one of the strongest the club has had for years, but underperforming, it looks like this season's iteration won't be challenging for the title. They began well, but their form is reflected in the English Premier League odds, which place them as rank outsiders after a run of terrible results. Online football betting odds forecast they will most likely get a Champions League spot, but bettors can also take advantage of match markets with odds reflecting the team's form at the time. Although they have a strong midfield, some fans probably wish they had some icons from the golden age running the show still.

Golden Era Creativity and Tenacity Combined

Midfielders like Ian Callaghan, Graeme Souness and Jimmy Case defined this period for the club. Callaghan was versatility personified, capable of linking defence and attack effortlessly. Souness brought steel and skill to the position as well as Case. Souness set the tone for leadership on the pitch, never shirking a challenge. He was especially influential in the dominance Liverpool enjoyed in the early 80s, especially in Europe.

Modern Middle: Pressing, Positions, and Patterns

Of course, no discussion of an elite Liverpool midfield is complete without mentioning Steven Gerrard, potentially the best player in the history of the club. He dragged the club to Champions League and FA Cup victories in successive years, completing improbable comebacks in the process. Beside him at his best, he had Xabi Alonso, a technical magician, and Mascherano, a terrier in the middle who went on to have great success with Barcelona after he left the club. Mo Sissoko and Dietmar Hamann were also available and two similar players that, although not the most comfortable on the ball, were crucial in the style of play that Rafa Benitez employed during the mid-2000s.
In the last decade, the club has been blessed with a team of midfielders that worked in tandem to perfection. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Gini Wijnaldum powered the club to Champions League and Premier League successes under Jurgen Klopp, typifying the team's overall work ethic. Alongside them, Naby Keita and Thiago brought style to the team, even if they didn't have the impact that supporters and club staff expected. 

Photo by David Bayliss on Unsplash

Throughout their history, the Reds have always prioritised quality in the middle of the pitch. This comes in the form of ball-winning players to Roy-of-the-Rovers-type game winners. It has meant that even though the teams haven't been successful through the years, Liverpool have always remained a formidable opponent in one-off games.