Opinion | Would any of Liverpool’s latest Champions League winners make a Jurgen Klopp team for the ages?
- Liverpool have a rich history of European champions. Whittling them down to 11 is a tough task
- The Reds have won the European Cup an English record six times
Whenever a team experiences success, people ask where today’s players rank in the pantheon of club greats. This is as true of Liverpool’s Champions League winners as any side.
A more interesting approach is to frame the question the other way round: if Jurgen Klopp had access to the heroes of Liverpool’s past, who would suit his team? The answers are not straightforward. Klopp favours 4-3-3 and is keen to apply a press. His style might not suit some of the most obvious choices. Here are some suggestions. They will only include players I’ve seen. Feel free to argue.
Let’s start with the easy bit. The only real competition for Alisson Becker would be Ray Clemence, the goalkeeper who anchored the 1970s teams. Clemence was a great shot-stopper and dominated his area. Where Alisson has the edge is the modern game requires him to be good with the ball at his feet. Alisson would keep his place with ease.
Sorting out the central defence is another relatively simple task. Virgil van Dijk’s presence changed the nature of Klopp’s team and created the foundation for success. With longevity, the Dutchman can join Anfield’s giants.
The perfect partner for Van Dijk would be Alan Hansen. The Scot is one of the game’s finest central defenders. His tackling was precise, his distribution exceptional and he was breathtakingly cool under pressure. Hansen was not dominant physically but Van Dijk could handle that side of the game. They would make a magnificent pairing.