How valuable is Joe Allen to Liverpool?
Off the back of further discussion regarding Liverpool’s current Mr. Marmite – the Liverpool Echo has hand-picked five former players who also divided opinion.
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It’s a big week for the Reds, as we prepare for a crucial match with huge top four implications. Allen has impressed in recent games alongside Jordan Henderson in midfield, but came under-fire for his performance against Manchester United last month.
Despite a number of supporters arguing over his worth to the Liverpool team, Allen is well-liked by Brendan Rodgers, who brought him to the club from Swansea City back in 2012, as well as Wales manager Chris Coleman – who credits him with making the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey tick.
In the list below we count down the Echo’s list, as well as a few of our own. How many of these players did you love, and how many did you not?
8) Ronnie Whelan
As the Echo explains, it’s not always going to easy when you play in the same team as Graeme Souness, Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish. For many, Whelan was one of the unsung heroes of that Liverpool squad. The versatile midfielder played close to 500 games for the Reds, winning six first division titles, three FA Cups and the European Cup, as well as a host of other major honours. Spent an impressive total of 15 years at Anfield.
7) Fernando Torres
The Spanish striker endured something of a fall from grace after leaving Liverpool, with many fans left questioning him after his £50m switch to Chelsea. He scored 81 goals in 142 games for the club, but many were left heartbroken over his exit to such a high-standing domestic rival. Despite the complaints, he was given a warm welcome at the Anfield charity match last weekend, suggesting all has finally been forgiven.
6) Ray Houghton
Arguably another Liverpool player who went missing, surrounded by quality teammates. The midfielder was arguably gone too soon, spending just five years at Anfield before moving to Aston Villa. He won both the first division and the FA Cup twice, playing just over 150 league games. The Republic of Ireland international was a popular player for the most part, but as the Echo puts it, he was the “least-loved of a great side”.
5) Simon Mignolet
Brendan Rodgers finally took the decision to give the Belgian a spell on the sidelines in December, following a difficult run of form. Brad Jones was soon out through injury, and many fans were crying out for us to add a new stopper during the January transfer window. However, Rodgers kept faith with Mignolet, and has since been rewarded by a huge improvement. Nonetheless, some are still hoping for a new recruit this summer.
4) Danny Murphy
Scored three winners at Old Trafford and one at Goodison Park, but as the Echo admits, he still had his doubters – with Rafael Benitez chief among them. The Spaniard ditched Murphy soon after his arrival, despite his more than respectable record at Anfield. Steven Gerrard has said in the past that he was disappointed to see Murphy go, with the England international completing his career at Charlton, Tottenham, Fulham and Blackburn Rovers.
3) Jamie Redknapp
Was an integral part of the Liverpool squad for over a decade, but Redknapp arguably never lived up to his huge potential. Many fans grew increasingly frustrated with his inability to stay fit, a situation similar to that faced by Daniel Sturridge so far this term. He didn’t play a single minute in our treble-winning campaign of 2001, while he was also a non-playing substitute in three other final victories. Still managed over 200 league appearances.
2) Emile Heskey
A cult figure throughout his career, Heskey was a source of plenty of frustration for many fans. However, his partnership with Michael Owen proved hugely successful for both club and country, with his partner getting the vast majority of the plaudits due to his superior goal tally. Our once record signing scored 60 goals in 223 games for Liverpool, with a best of 22 in 56 games during the 2000-01 treble-winning campaign.
1) Dirk Kuyt
Another player who didn’t score as many as was hoped for ahead of his arrival, but won over many fans due to his work-rate and tendency to produce on the big occasion. The popular Dutchman scored 71 goals in 286 games for the Reds – only once failing to reach double figures – and proved a versatile option across a number of forward positions. Left us for Fenerbahce in the summer of 2012, but remains a key figure of our modern era success.
