Ranking Liverpool’s greatest goalkeepers of all time

Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in world football, having won six UEFA Champions League trophies, and 19 English top-flight titles, including numerous other honors. They’ve boasted of some incredible managers and players over the years like Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush, Bill Shankly, and many more.

The Reds are known for their front foot attacking football and hence, their attacking players understandably and deservedly receive a lot of praise. However, Liverpool have also had some of the most incredible goalkeepers in their ranks over the years.

These keepers have made some crucial saves to help the Merseysiders win as many trophies as they have. They’ve not only served as good shot-stoppers but also great leaders at the back.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top 10 greatest goalkeepers in Liverpool history:

10. David James

David James arrived at Anfield from Watford in 1992 for a reported fee of €1.40 million. He spent seven years at the club, making 277 appearances. He kept 104 clean sheets and conceded 273 goals in those games.

James was excellent at shot-stopping but also had a big error in him at times. Regardless, he helped them win one League Cup before moving to Aston Villa in 1999.

Also Read: 10 Greatest English Managers of All-Time

9. Arthur Riley

Arthur Riley joined the Reds almost 100 years ago in 1925 and spent 15 years at the club. He made around 350 appearances for the club, keeping around 70 clean sheets. While Riley didn’t win anything, he helped them avoid relegation multiple times back in the day.

8. Jerzy Dudek

The former Poland goalkeeper joined Liverpool from Feyenoord in 2001 and spent six years at the club before moving on to Real Madrid. Arguably Dudek’s best performance in a red shirt came against AC Milan in the iconic UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul. He made some crucial saves in the game and also in the penalty shootout to help his side lift the trophy.

Overall, Dudek made 186 appearances at the club, keeping 78 clean sheets and winning six trophies.

7. Sam Hardy

The late Englishman joined the Merseysiders from Chesterfield FC in 1905. He made 240 appearances for them, keeping 63 clean sheets during his seven-year stay. He also won the First Division title in his first season at the club.

6. Pepe Reina

Pepe Reina moved to Anfield from Villarreal in the summer of 2005. He was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League during his time, winning three Golden Glove awards. He kept 177 clean sheets in 394 games for the Merseysiders across competitions.

Reina was known for his excellence at stopping penalties. He won one FA Cup, one League Cup, one Community Shield, and one UEFA Super Cup during his time with the Reds before joining Bayern Munich in 2014. He recently joined the Italian side Como.

5. Elisha Scott

Elisha Scott joined Liverpool from Lindfield in January 2912. He kept the aforementioned Arthur Riley out of the team for most parts as he was brilliant between the sticks. He made 468 appearances for the club, keeping 137 clean sheets. He also won two Division Two trophies with the Reds.

4. Bruce Grobbelaar

The Reds signed Bruce Grobbelaar from US side Vancouver Whitecaps in March 1981. He became an absolute club legend, making over 600 appearances during his 13-year stay.

Grobbelaar was known for his excellent goalkeeping but also his antics on the pitch, especially during penalty shootouts. He kept 266 clean sheets in 619 appearances, winning 18 trophies. These include six league titles and one European Champion Clubs’ Cup winner.

3. Tommy Lawrence

Tommy Lawrence came through Liverpool’s youth system and became one of the club’s all-time greats. He made 387 appearances, keeping 132 clean sheets. He helped them win two league titles, one FA Cup and three English Super Cup trophies.

A recent heartening video put Lawrence back in spotlight when a BBC interviewer asked a random stranger about the Reds’ clash against Everton back in 1967. It turned out that he was unaware that the person he was talking to was Lawrence, who played that game.

2. Alisson Becker

Alisson has been an incredible signing for the Reds. He arrived from AS Roma in 2018 for over €70 million. He’s made 263 appearances for them, keeping 114 clean sheets. He’s been a key figure in the club winning almost every trophy available at least once under Jurgen Klopp.

Known for his shot-stopping, ball-playing skills, long passes, and presence in the box, Alisson is widely regarded as one of the greatest Premier League goalkeepers of all time.

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1. Ray Clemence

Ray Clemence joined Liverpool from Scunthorpe United in 1967 and spent 14 years at the club before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 1981. During his time at Anfield, he established himself as the greatest goalkeeper in the club’s history and one of the best in world football.

He made 655 appearances for the Reds, keeping 319 clean sheets. He once conceded just 16 goals in 42 league games in the 1978-79 season. He won five league titles and three European Champions Clubs’ Winner trophies, among numerous other honors with the Merseysiders.

FAQs

Q. Who is the best goalkeeper for Liverpool?

A. Ray Clemence

Q. Which Liverpool goalkeeper has the most clean sheets?

A. Ray Clemence – 319 clean sheets.

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