Who stands as the most iconic player in Liverpool’s recent history? If we’re focusing on talent since the year 2000, Steven Gerrard undoubtedly leads the pack.
Gerrard could very well be the greatest player the club has ever seen—an extraordinary talent who embodies the spirit of the city and its beloved football team.
But this is really about Liverpool’s revival over the last ten years, a period defined by Jurgen Klopp’s arrival and transformation of a struggling side into a powerhouse once more.
Since the departure of Brendan Rodgers and the arrival of the former German manager, numerous stars have lit up Anfield. Yet, few would dispute that Virgil van Dijk stands above the rest.
Van Dijk has become a true icon for Liverpool. When the club shelled out £75 million to sign him from Southampton in January 2018, many rival supporters scoffed at the record-breaking fee for a defender.
It’s hard to deny that Liverpool and their Dutch captain have had the last laugh. Van Dijk has completely overhauled a once-fragile defence, guiding the team to major success and lifting every major trophy available. He even came close to beating Lionel Messi to the Ballon d’Or in his prime, solidifying his legacy as a defining leader during Liverpool’s golden era of recent times.
Now 33, Van Dijk may no longer be the new force in the league, but his influence remains unmatched. This season, he’s been pivotal once again, anchoring the backline as Arne Slot’s Liverpool surged to the top of the table, 11 points clear with just seven matches remaining.
And he’s not ready to hang up his boots yet. With 313 appearances under his belt and a trophy cabinet to match, Van Dijk is entering the final stretch of his current deal—but he’s reassured fans that contract extension talks are underway.
This is vital for Liverpool as they enter the next phase under Slot’s leadership. Another year or two with Van Dijk at the heart of the defence would only deepen his legendary status at Anfield.
That said, when it comes to value for money, Mohamed Salah has to be hailed as one of Liverpool’s greatest signings. Signed from AS Roma for just £34 million, the Egyptian forward has become a club icon.
But while Salah arrived earlier, it was another Serie A import who truly completed the puzzle—Alisson Becker.
Liverpool’s best signing after Van Dijk
You probably already knew. Despite the impressive contributions of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and others revitalizing the midfield, and the attacking spark from the likes of Luis Diaz, Ibrahima Konate, and Cody Gakpo, it’s Alisson Becker who has been Liverpool’s cornerstone.
Since joining in the early stages of Klopp’s reign, the Brazilian goalkeeper has been the foundation—calm, commanding, and utterly vital to Liverpool’s success.
