Liverpool FC Forum

by **ROBtheRED** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 4:14 pm

As per Owzats request for a best of 'all-rounders' poll here are a few players i can think of but i'm sure there are plenty more i've missed. Please add your favourite players who did a job in numerous positions for us.

1. Matt McQueen 1892-1899
He was the ultimate utility player, who turned out in every position for the club even in goal.....bit before my time though!

2. Tommy Smith 1960-1978
Hard as nails and could play anywhere across the back and also in midfield.

3. Emlyn Hughes 1967-1979
A great captain and equally efficient in midfield or in defence.

4. Ronnie Whelan 1979-1994
Started off as a left sided player and grew into a central midfield general. Also did a job filling in at full back on a few occassions, tremendous servant to the club.

5. Mark Lawrenson 1981-1988
Predominantly a centre-back but also featured as a full back and in midfield during the early 80's.

6. Steve Nicol 1981-1995
Apart from in goal Stevie has played in virtually every position for the club, especially in defence but also played in wide midfield roles and was extremely effective.

7. John Barnes 1987-1997
Digger was at home on the left-wing but could also play up front. Towards the end of his Liverpool career Roy Evans used him as a central midfield playmaker and described him as his 'coach out on the pitch'.

Personally i would go for Stevie Nicol for his versatility over the years, he was a truly great all-rounder. However i'm sure i may have forgotton many other candidates, i'm sure you can put me right! !

by **oldredeyes** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 8:45 pm

The only truly versatile player in the past fifty years who actually did play in all positions for Liverpool was Geoff Strong.
A brilliant player, who never got the full credit he deserved outside of Liverpool. There isn't anyone else who can match his versatility. A way out winner!

by **HOMELEIGHKOP** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 10:48 pm

johns the man now he was class

by **supersub** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 11:46 pm

I have to go with Steve Nicol.

by **azriahmad** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 6:51 am

I agree with Supersub and Rob, that Steve Nicol is the best versatile player. If there was a poll for the best defensive midfielder, Ronnie Whelan would be very high on the list, he is like Hamann, Gerrard and Murphy rolled into one, protecting the defenders and with a good eye for goals.

by **115-1073096938** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 11:27 pm

Gerrard by a mile mate.

You could put him in the side in any position with maybe the exception of in goal and i'm telling you he'd stand out.

by **NiftyNeil** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:21 am

What about Steve Staunton?
He played in every position. He played up front once and bagged a few goals (in his first spell). He played in midfield and on the left. He played the majority of his Liverpool career on as left back and then was used as a centre half in Roy Evans' 3-5-2 formations. And he also played in goal against the Bluenoses when Sander got sent off for bitch-slapping wingnut Jeffers.

by **NiftyNeil** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 2:30 pm

Jamie Carragher deserves a mention too.

by **liverpoolrich** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 2:38 pm

im going for the late emlyn hughes

by **Mikz** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 8:28 pm

I go for steve Nicol - what a servant he was! Not the most graceful player ive ever seen lol but certainly was effective.Scored plenty too.

by **LFC #1** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:06 am

stu_the_red wrote:Gerrard by a mile mate.

You could put him in the side in any position with maybe the exception of in goal and i'm telling you he'd stand out.

I'd agree with that. He can play anywhere across midfield, is a good tackler, has a good reading of the game and pace so could play in the back 4 also. Add to that his attacking ability, so he can play up front as well.

IMO Gerrard is the most well-rounded footballer in the world at the minute.

by **wrighty (not mark!)** » Tue Aug 23, 2005 4:25 pm

From what Ive read....Billy liddel

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Best all-rounders - Who was the greatest versatile player?

Best all-rounders - Who was the greatest versatile player?

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