Liverpool may have enjoyed some special moments in the past when it pertains to the UEFA Champions League. You could imagine how the club has been successful in this competition more than in the Premier League.
The Reds were successful winning the much-coveted trophy in 2005 before tasting success again in 2019 under German manager Jürgen Klopp.
They may have been eliminated in this season (2020) competition but they have a renowned history on the European stage.
Despite the defeat to Athletico Madrid and their inability to defend their UEFA Champions League title like Real Madrid did during their time some seasons ago as defending Champions, we evaluate the three special players that made the Champions League (UEFA) memorable for Liverpool football club.
3. JOHN ARNE RIISE (Defender)
The left-back was an inspiration to behold on the pitch during Liverpool glory days in European football. He was instrumental to Liverpool’s attacking influx down the opposing area.
His overlapping runs from the left-back position could be dreadful for the opposing side during the course of a game.
He’s got an amazing left-foot shot that threatened the best of goalkeepers as we could see repeatedly. This has seen him contribute to vital goals for the Anfield club even as they went to defeat Barcelona who has got the likes of Lionel Messi and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o in their side.
He was that good that the attacking threat he posed from the left side of the pitch saw Liverpool rise to fame during his time at Anfield.
ALSO READ – 3 Best Liverpool Left-Backs Ever
2. XABI ALONSO (Central Midfielder)
The Spanish midfielder was an amazing player for the club alongside Argentine midfield player Javier Mascherano. He scored the decisive goal that brought Liverpool back on level teams as they trailed Milan giant 3-0.
His spot-kick drew the Reds level on 3-3 before going on to score the winning penalty that crowned Liverpool as the European Champions.
His partnership in midfield was terrific for opposing sides while his passing range is exceptional by all standards.
His long-range goal for the club (Liverpool) would always remain in the lasting memory of the fans and Liverpool football archives as the Reds marched on their way to European glory on series of occasions.
1. STEVEN GERRARD (Attacking Midfielder)
The last but not the least is Captain fantastic and the clubs’ loyal servant Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper has given the club many memorable moments during the UEFA Champions League.
He’s been exceptional all the way as his strike saw the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, and co bow to the Reds resilience and authority on the pitch.
He was the one that started the comeback when they were 3-0 down to the Italian side AC Milan. He reduced the deficit with a header to make it 3-1 while giving his team and the Liverpool fans (folks) a lifeline in the epic contest.
He’s led by example on many occasions while assisting Fernandes Torres and Dirk Kuyt in transition. He’s a gem and a player to be proud of as he has scored a couple of goals to bring Liverpool out of difficult situations.
He’s a burden-bearer for the Club indeed despite the fact that he didn’t win the Premier League after coming close to doing so towards the end of his career at Liverpool under manager Brendan Rodgers as at then.
He will go down as a legend for the club as the present player like skipper Jordan Henderson and co try to emulate his legacy at Anfield.
Also Read – Best XI Liverpool Players of All-Time
