PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Dirk Kuyt





Dirk Kuyt

Date of Birth: 22 Jul 1980
Birthplace: Katwijk

Nationality: Dutch

Signed for LFC: 2006
LFC Debut: 26 Aug 2006
LFC Appearances: 285
LFC Goals: 71




PROFILE

Dirk Kuyt is one of the hardest workers Anfield has ever seen - and his time at the club was punctuated by never-to-be-forgotten goals.

In six years at Liverpool the Dutchman fired in European and Carling Cup finals, scored hat-tricks and braces against our biggest rivals, struck late to earn us a place in the Champions League and smashed home numerous crucial penalties.

Originally purchased by Rafael Benitez in 2006 as a striker, he proved himself to be selfless and versatile by operating just as often on the right wing.

Kuyt arrived on these shores with a prolific goalscoring record in Dutch football, latterly Feyenoord, and he instantly found favour on the Kop with an all-action debut as a substitute at home to West Ham on August 26.

The Holland international notched his first Liverpool goal against Newcastle United on September 20, 2006, and he'd net a further 13 in his debut season.

He was already proving a hit with the fans, not least for his habit of applauding all four stands after each game.

The 2006-07 campaign ended with the Champions League final. Kuyt hit the winning penalty in the semi-final triumph over Chelsea and was rewarded with a starting place against AC Milan. It was he who scored the Reds' late consolation in Athens.

One of the No.18's finest moments in a red shirt arrived in October 2007 with a penalty brace at Goodison Park as Liverpool clinched a dramatic last-minute win over their bitter rivals.

This came just months after the death of his father, a personal tragedy which, by his own admission, impacted upon his game.

However, by the end of 2007-08 Kuyt had returned to top form, with priceless goals against Marseille, Inter Milan and Arsenal helping the Reds reach another Champions League semi-final. Defeat to Chelsea followed despite another goal in the Anfield leg to take his tally for the season to 11.

By the start of 2008-09, Benitez had moulded the six footer into an indispensable right winger, from where he scored 15 times to help Liverpool take champions Manchester United right to the wire.

Kuyt continued his knack of breaking Everton hearts with goals in both 2009-10 derbies en route to a final haul of 11. Sadly, it proved to be a poor season for the club as a whole, with failure to qualify for the Champions League resulting in Benitez parting company with the Reds.

The weeks that followed would go some way to easing Kuyt's disappointment, however, as Holland reached their first World Cup final in 32 years.

Our man started every game in South Africa, where his performances earned universal acclaim. Dutch icon Johan Cruyff was among those to laud the forward - claiming he was 'worth his weight in gold'.

Despite Kuyt's best efforts, though, it was clubmates Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina who returned to Melwood with World Cup medals following Spain's extra-time victory.

He found some consolation in top scoring for the Reds in 2010-11, with his tally of 15 including an unforgettable hat-trick against Manchester United at Anfield.

The following season saw Kuyt collect a first medal with Liverpool. He scored a goal in extra-time and then converted a spot-kick in the Carling Cup shoot-out win over Cardiff City.

It would prove to be one of his final acts in a Liverpool shirt. Kuyt left for a new challenge at Turkish side Fenerbahce in the summer of 2012 with his place as an Anfield great secure.

PAST MANAGER PROFILE - Roy Hodgson

Date of Birth : 9 Aug 1947

Birthplace : Croydon

Games : 31

Games Won : 13

Games Drawn : 9

Games Lost : 9

PROFILE

The Reds confirmed on Saturday they had parted company with the 18^th boss in the club's history after 31 matches at the helm.

Liverpool acted swiftly to appoint Hodgson in July after the Benitez era drew to a close by mutual consent. He arrived at Anfield with a gleaming reputation having helped Fulham to two of the greatest seasons in their history.

The Croydon-born coach's final act with the Cottagers was to steer them to the Europa League final against all odds, where they were narrowly defeated by Atletico Madrid in the Hamburg final.

However, Hodgson's endeavours were enough to clinch the LMA Manager of the Year accolade by a record margin, serving to add to an already rich footballing pedigree.

It was no surprise, therefore, to see the 63-year-old heavily linked with the vacant hot seat at Anfield and on July 1, the Reds confirmed his appointment on a three-year deal.

Upon signing in at Anfield, Hodgson commented: "This is the biggest job in club football and I'm honoured to be taking on the role of manager of Britain's most successful football club. I look forward to meeting the players and the supporters and getting down to work at Melwood."

After a below-par 2009-10 season, Hodgson's arrival reinstalled a wave of optimism amongst supporters, helped in no small part by the decision of star duo Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres to commit their futures to the club shortly after speaking with the new manager.

The acquisition of England World Cup winger Joe Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea ahead of an extensive queue of other elite teams from across Europe only bolstered the feel-good factor reverberating around the walls of Anfield.

Things certainly begun brightly on the pitch for Hodgson too. He oversaw a routine 2-0 Europa League qualifying victory over FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia in his first competitive game in charge on July 29, before Liverpool won the return leg by the same scoreline at Anfield one week later.

On August 15, Hodgson took charge of his first Barclays Premier League game for Liverpool as Arsenal travelled to Merseyside on 2010-11's opening weekend.

Despite going down to 10 men on the stroke of the interval following a red card for Cole on his league bow, the Reds staged a gallant second-half display and duly took the lead through David Ngog. However, an uncharacteristic stoppage-time error from Pepe Reina gifted the Gunners a point.

A heavy 3-0 reversal at Manchester City was sandwiched in between Europa League victories over Trabzonspor as Liverpool secured a safe passage into the group stages - though the desire of Javier Mascherano to join Barcelona tempered any joy the Reds felt as they journeyed back from Turkey.

Hodgson moved quickly to swell his midfield ranks in the aftermath of the departure of the Argentina captain to the Nou Camp, signing FC Porto's Raul Meireles to add to the earlier purchase of Christian Poulsen. Full-back Paul Konchesky would later be drafted in from Fulham.

But Liverpool's form was beginning to stutter domestically and after a scrappy defeat of West Brom at home and a low-key goalless draw at Birmingham, they suffered a morale-sapping loss against Manchester United in mid-September.

Having gone two goals down, the Reds staged a dramatic fight back as two Gerrard goals restored parity at Old Trafford, only for Dimitar Berbatov to break Kopite hearts with a late winner.

That frustration was compounded by a shock penalty shootout exit from the Carling Cup at the first hurdle to League Two outfit Northampton Town at Anfield just days later.

A 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Blackpool in front of the Kop on October 3 left Liverpool languishing in the bottom three of the table - and the Reds fared little better in Hodgson's first Merseyside derby, crashing to a 2-0 reversal against Everton at Goodison Park.

However, the Europa League was providing Liverpool with some welcome respite from their Premier League form, and a hard-fought goalless draw in Napoli proved the catalyst for the Reds to embark on their best run of the campaign so far.

Following a win over Blackburn at Anfield, Hodgson oversaw his first league away win at the helm against Bolton on October 31 courtesy of Maxi Rodriguez's dramatic winner at the death.

Napoli were then put to the sword at Anfield thanks to a superlative second-half hat-trick from Steven Gerrard to all but assure the Reds of a spot in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

Liverpool then manufactured arguably their finest performance of the entire calendar year, comprehensively dispatching defending champions Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield with an on-song Torres firing a memorable brace.

A draw at Wigan extended the Reds' unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions, however defeat at Stoke City was cause for further disappointment. Back on the continent, though, a 1-1 draw in Romania against Steaua Bucharest was enough to secure top spot in Europa League Group K with a game to spare.

Meanwhile, dominant home wins over West Ham and Aston Villa, and a spirited display at Tottenham gave cause for renewed optimism, only for Liverpool to slump to defeat at Newcastle.

A surprise 1-0 Anfield setback to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 29 intensified pressure on the Reds.

And though a New Year's Day win over Bolton was achieved, a 3-1 defeat at Blackburn - Liverpool's ninth of the campaign - sadly proved a result too far for Hodgson, who vacated the Reds' helm by mutual consent shortly after.

During his six-month stint in the hot seat, Hodgson took charge of 31 games in all competitions, winning 13 and losing nine.

PAST MANAGER PROFILE - Rafael Benitez

Date of Birth : 16 Apr 1960

Birthplace : Madrid

Games : 350

Games Won : 194

Games Drawn : 77

Games Lost : 79

Honours with Liverpool : Champions League 2005, Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006

PROFILE

He was hailed as our Spanish messiah, a genial tactician who restored our reputation as one of Europe's biggest clubs and led us to one of the greatest triumphs in our history.

But after a six year reign of cup glory and league frustration Rafael Benitez Maudes' hopes of leading Liverpool to a record-breaking 19^th League Championship were brought to an end following a disappointing 2009-10 campaign.

The Spaniard's first year in England had climaxed like a fairytale, one that was capped by a European achievement that will ensure his tenure will be immortalised and cherished in the annals of Anfield history.

For while even the late, great Bill Shankly took time to establish Liverpool as a force, Benitez made an almost immediate impact, shrugging off the disappointment of a fifth place finish in the Premiership to defy the odds and lead the Reds to a fifth European Cup success.

To say his legend can be summed up in six minutes would be to belittle his other achievements, but those few precious moments that followed half-time on Wednesday, May 25, 2005, were undoubtedly the most important.

A wave of optimism carried Liverpool into Rafa's second season and although the Reds secured a Super Cup win over CSKA Moscow, a fixture pile-up as a result of a series of Champions League qualifiers and inconsistent Premiership performances saw them struggle early on.

A run of one defeat in 18 matches, in which they set a new club record of 11 consecutive clean sheets, got the Reds back on track, culminating in a third place finish which at the time saw us notch up our highest points tally since the inauguration of the Premier League.

There was also another final to look forward to and, with more than a little sense of déjà vu, the Reds overcame West Ham on penalties to claim the FA Cup and a third trophy under Rafa in just two seasons.

The Spaniard had certainly shown he had the Midas touch, following on from his success at Valencia where he had a developed a reputation as one of Europe's finest coaches.

However, the media still doubted his understanding of the English game overall, as the frustration of yet another disappointing start in the Premiership in 06-07 was in stark contrast to the confident swagger the side had begun to display in the Champions League.

European Champions Barcelona stood in the way in the knockout stage, but Rafa and co produced one of the performances of the season to clinch a famous 2-1 win in the Nou Camp and lay the foundations for progress to the next round.

After overcoming PSV and Chelsea respectively, the final in Athens would be another repeat, but this time AC Milan gained revenge for 2005.

The arrival of Fernando Torres for a record fee was a firm statement of intent ahead of 07-08, and with his strongest group of players since taking charge, Benitez made his best ever start in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds marched to a run of 14 league matches unbeaten but saw their title hopes derailed by a series of disappointing draws.

A shock FA Cup defeat at home to Barnsley heaped further pressure on the Reds before an impressive Champions League victory over Inter Milan proved the catalyst for an end of season surge.

A 4-2 triumph in an all-English quarter-final second-leg at home to Arsenal had supporters dreaming of a third European final in four seasons, but this time it would be Chelsea's turn to advance to Moscow.

A second year without a trophy raised the pressure again, but if it hadn't been for injuries to Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, a partnership that had terrorised defences home and abroad, the Reds could easily have finished the season as the 2009 champions after losing just two league matches.

Highlights would include league doubles over both Manchester United and Chelsea, with the 4-1 mauling of Alex Ferguson's men at Old Trafford a particularly sweet moment for fans, players and coaching staff alike.

The Red Devils would go on to close out the championship but Liverpool kept winning right until the end with 10 victories from our last 11 league matches. It ensured we finished the campaign by setting a new personal Barclays Premier League best, with 86 points.

Expectation was higher than ever heading into 2009-10, but all was not well in the Liverpool camp.

Xabi Alonso's on-off transfer to Real Madrid was the major theme of a disappointing pre-season schedule. The opening day defeat at Tottenham proved to be a sign of things to come and once again the injuries to Torres and Gerrard would have a huge bearing on results.

By November any thoughts of a title challenge were over and a group stage exit from the Champions League threatened to completely derail the season.

Rumours of disharmony within the squad did little to raise the team's morale and a shock FA Cup replay defeat at home to Championship strugglers, Reading saw many within the media speculating that Rafa's future was in question.

Any hope of finishing the season with a trophy were ended by Diego Forlan's crucial away goal in the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, while a 2-0 reversal against Chelsea in the final home match of the campaign quashed our chances of a top four finish.

The goalless draw at relegated Hull City would not only prove to be the final game of a disappointing campaign, but would also be Rafa's swansong as the club opted to part ways with the Spaniard less than four weeks later after a season that saw his side lose 19 games.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Steve Finnan

Steve Finnan
Date of Birth: 24/4/1976
Birthplace: Limerick, Ireland
Debut: August 17, 2003 v Chelsea
1st team games: 216
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Welling, Birmingham City, Notts County, Fulham, Espanyol
Honours with Liverpool: Champions League 2005, Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006


PROFILE
Right-back Steve Finnan was often described as an unsung hero during five years at Anfield – but you'll struggle to find a Kopite unwilling to sing his praises.

The Irishman was signed by Gerard Houllier in the summer of 2003. It was a long journey to the Premier League for Finnan, who began his career with non-league Welling United before turning professional with Birmingham City in 1995.

After only a handful of appearances he was on his way to Notts County, where a string of excellent performances attracted the attention of Fulham boss Kevin Keegan.

Finnan became a firm favourite at Craven Cottage following his £600,000 move in November 1998. Three years later he played a key role in the Londoners' promotion to the top flight.

Having made his international debut against Greece in April 2000, Mr Reliable had no problems adapting to the Premier League, and in 2001-02 he was selected in the PFA Team of the Year ahead of the likes of Gary Neville.

From there he appeared in all four of Ireland's matches during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Houllier was suitably impressed and swooped ahead of the 2003-04 season.

Finnan made his Reds debut in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on August 17, 2003. However, a series of injuries disrupted his first year on Merseyside, and the appointment of a new manager in the summer of 2004 prompted some to cast doubt on his future at the club.

The arrival of Spanish defender Josemi did nothing to strengthen the right-back's position, but his ultra-professionalism and composed defending won the day.

The number three started the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, though injury meant he was forced to withdraw at half-time.

In May 2007 he featured in his second European Cup final, playing 88 minutes before Benitez introduced Alvaro Arbeloa. Unbeknown to Finnan, the switch was a sign of things to come.

A year later, after increasing amounts of time on the bench, the likeable defender was sold to La Liga side Espanyol.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Danny Guthrie

Danny Guthrie : Midfielder
Date of Birth: 18/04/1987
Birthplace: Shrewsbury
Debut : v Reading, October 26, 2006, League Cup, won 4-3
1st team games: 7
1st team goals: 0
Other clubs: Manchester United, Southampton, Bolton, Newcastle



PROFILE
Danny Guthrie was an Academy graduate who went on to play seven first-team games under Rafa Benitez.

The Shrewsbury-born midfielder was brought to Anfield after being released by Manchester United aged 15.

His competitive debut for the Reds came as a 62nd minute substitute in a League Cup match against Reading in October 2006.

The highlight of Guthrie's brief spell in the first-team squad came with a start in the Ataturk Stadium in December 2006 when Liverpool took on Galatasaray in the Champions League group stages.

In March 2007 he signed for Southampton on emergency loan, playing 12 games for the south coast side.

Instead of returning to Melwood ahead of the 2007-08 campaign, Guthrie headed for the Reebok Stadium where he could experience regular top-flight football.

His performances during 28 appearances for Bolton impressed Kop icon Kevin Keegan so much that he splashed the cash to bring the youngster to Newcastle in July 2008.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Peter Crouch

Peter Crouch : Striker
Date of Birth: 30/01/1981
Birthplace: Macclesfield
Debut : v FBK Kaunas, July 20, 2005, Champions League qualifier, won 3-1
1st team games: 135
1st team goals: 42
Other clubs: Dulwich Hamlet, IFK Hassleholm, QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Norwich, Southampton
International caps while with Liverpool: 27
International goals while with Liverpool: 14
Honours with Liverpool: FA Cup (2006), Charity Shield (2006)

PROFILE
Striker Peter Crouch became a cult hero after joining the Rafalution in the summer of 2005.

Many questioned Rafa Benitez's decision to pay Southampton approximately £7million for a player whose career had seen him jump around the Football League.

An incredible 19 games without a goal after arriving at Anfield did little to ease concerns, though in this time the Kop caught a glimpse of something that made Crouch stand out - and it wasn't just his 6ft 7 frame.

Despite being one of the tallest players ever to pull on a red jersey, the likeable frontman possessed an assured touch and a work ethic second only perhaps to teammate Dirk Kuyt.

It didn't take long for the faithful to devise the humorous "He's big, he's red, his feet stick out the bed" chant.

After breaking his duck with a brace against Wigan (the first of which had to go to the dubious goals panel after a freak deflection), the goals started to flow.

One of the most memorable was a winner in a fifth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United in January 2006. The Reds went on to win the competition in Cardiff, with Crouch getting the assist for Liverpool's second against West Ham.

Meanwhile, the Anfield number 15 was establishing himself as an England regular and was named in the 23-man squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

He scored in a warm-up game against Hungary and celebrated with his much-publicised robot dance. Four days later he bagged a hat-trick against Jamaica despite fluffing a penalty.

With Wayne Rooney injured, the Liverpool man partnered Michael Owen in the World Cup opener against Paraguay. He kept his place for the follow up versus Trinidad and Tobago, during which he hit his first competitive international goal. Crouch made two further substitute appearances in the competition.

The start of the 2006-07 season saw him head the winner in the Community Shield triumph over Chelsea, while under new coach Steve McClaren he became the first England player to score 10 in a calendar year thanks to braces against Greece and Andorra.

In September 2006 Crouch scored perhaps his best ever goal, a stunning scissor kick at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League. It was a trick he would repeat just a few months later against Bolton Wanderers.

A broken nose sustained versus Sheffield United interrupted his second season on Merseyside, though he did go on to net his first club hat-trick against Arsenal in March 2007; one with his left foot, one with his right and another with his head.

Crouch was named as a substitute in the 2007 Champions League final in Athens, coming on for Javier Mascherano with 12 minutes to go. Sadly, his introduction wasn't enough to spark another incredible comeback.

There was further heartache the following November when he was part of the England side that failed to reach Euro 2008. The striker looked to have spared a nation's blushes when he equalised against Croatia at Wembley. All Steve McClaren's side needed to do was hold on - but they couldn't.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Fernando Torres at Anfield meant first-team starts were becoming more difficult to come by.

Despite being offered a new contract in the spring of 2008, Crouch decided the time was right to move on. It was Portsmouth who eventually won the race for his signature in July 2008.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Anthony Le Tallec

Anthony Le Tallec
Date of Birth: 3/10/1984
Birthplace: Hennebont, France
Debut : v Blackburn, September 13, 2003, Premier League, won 3-1
1st team games: 32
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Le Havre, St Etienne, Sunderland, Sochaux, Le Mans



PROFILE
Anthony Le Tallec was one of two 'French gems' brought to the club by Gerard Houllier but, like counterpart Florent Sinama Pongolle, his Anfield career never really took off.

Great things were expected of Le Tallec, for whom the word 'starlet' seemed to have been invented.

Such was his potential that he was snapped up by Le Havre aged just eight. The youngster came to the world's attention in May 2001 when he scored five goals in helping France reach the European Under-16 Championships final.

Three months later, aged 16, he made his club debut versus Grenoble. An incredible year was capped in September when France won the Under-17s' World Cup in England. Le Tallec was voted the tournament's second best player (behind Pongolle).

Houllier quickly pounced, signing the prodigious pair but allowing them to spend another two years in France to aid their development.

A wave of excitement flooded Anfield when they were finally unveiled in 2003 - though Le Tallec went on to amass just 32 appearances in a five-year Liverpool career.

The highlight undoubtedly came when he was selected against Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final in 2005 - and put in a great show.

Loan spells at St Etienne, Sunderland, Sochaux and Le Mans followed, the latter being made permanent in July 2008.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Harry Kewell

Harry Kewell
Date of Birth: 22/09/1978
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Debut : v Chelsea, August 17, 2003, Premier League, lost 2-1
1st team games: 138
1st team goals: 16
Other clubs: Leeds United
International caps: 20
International goals: 8
Honours with Liverpool: Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2006)

PROFILE
Harry Kewell was a player who threatened to deliver so much in a red shirt - but ultimately his stay at Liverpool will be filed under 'frustrating'.

A succession of long-term injuries prevented him reproducing the form witnessed at former club Leeds, where the Aussie winger had established himself as one of the Premiership's top talents.

Kewell's time in Yorkshire saw him voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 2000 before his love affair with the club came to an end in 2003.

Having turned down a move to Manchester United, the would-be Australia captain made his Reds debut in front of the Kop against Chelsea on August 17, 2003.

Kewell went on to score 11 goals in 49 games in his first season at Anfield - easily his best tally.

The following campaign saw him bag a single goal in 31 appearances. He was a shock starter in the Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul, though injury meant he was replaced by Vladimir Smicer after just 23 minutes.

A year later, after scoring three goals in 41 appearances during the 2005-06 season, fate again contrived against the playmaker as injury forced him to be substituted half way through the FA Cup final victory over West Ham.

Despite this, Kewell was fit in time for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. It was the first time Australia had qualified for the competition since 1974, and the Liverpool man was there in the opening game against Japan.

After a substitute appearance versus Brazil, Kewell scored a crucial equalising goal against Croatia which took his side into the second round. Unfortunately, another spell in the treatment room meant he played no part in the defeat to eventual winners Italy - nor indeed most of the following season back in England.

The winger returned to action in the penultimate league game of 2006-07 at Craven Cottage and went on to feature as a second-half substitute in the Champions League final against AC Milan.

Kewell now had a year to save his stuttering Reds career - he couldn't. More injuries prevented him playing any meaningful role in 2007-08 and his contract was not renewed.

He left Melwood for the final time in May 2008 wondering 'what might have been'.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - John Arne Riise

John Arne Riise : Defender
Date of Birth: 24-09-1980
Birthplace: Molde, Norway
Debut : Aug 12 2001, Charity Shield v Man Utd
1st team games: 347
1st team goals: 31
Other clubs: Aalesund, Monaco
International caps: 71
International goals: 8
Honours with Liverpool: FA Charity Shield 2001, UEFA Super Cup 2001, Worthington Cup 2003, Champions League 2005, FA Cup 2006, FA Community Shield 2006.

PROFILE
Left-back John Arne Riise notched up well over 300 appearances during a seven-year association with the club through the Houllier and Benitez eras.

The Norwegian, who was famed for a fierce shot, joined Liverpool for approximately £4million in June 2001 having previously played for Aalesunds FK and Monaco.

His debut came in the Charity Shield against Manchester United on August 12, and it was in a fixture against the same opponents three months later that the flame-haired defender won a place in the heart of every Liverpool fan. From then until the end of his Anfield career, the Kop sang: "John Arne Riise, ooh, ah, I want to know how you scored that goal."

The full-back, who could also play left-midfield, remained a first-team regular as the Rafalution began in 2004.

It was he who opened the scoring against Chelsea in the 2005 Carling Cup final with a volley on 45 seconds - the fastest goal in the fixture's history.

During the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan, Riise provided the cross for Steven Gerrard to head home on 54 minutes - and in doing so helped trigger the greatest comeback European football has ever witnessed. The fact his penalty was saved by Dida in the shoot-out is now a historical insignificance.

The following season was again full of highlights, most notably another opening goal against Chelsea - this time in an FA Cup semi-final.

Three weeks later he erased memories of the Istanbul penalty miss by converting his spot kick to help the Reds clinch their seventh FA Cup.

Riise continued his knack of scoring against Jose Mourinho's men at the start of the 2006-07 campaign, this time in the Community Shield. The full-back ran from inside his own half before lashing the ball beyond Carlo Cudicini to open the scores. Liverpool went on to win the match 2-1.

Ironically, the Scandinavian's last notable act in a red shirt again saw him net against Chelsea -- though this time it was at the wrong end to give the Blues a priceless away goal in the first leg of the 2007-08 Champions League semi-finals.

Riise was sold to Italian side AS Roma in June 2008.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Momo Sissoko

Momo Sissoko : Midfielder
Date of Birth: 22/01/1985
Birthplace: Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
Debut : July 26, 2005 v FBK Kaunas (A) Champions League qualifier: Won 3-1
1st team games: 86
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Auxerre, Valencia, Juventus
International caps while with Liverpool: 13
International goals while with Liverpool: 1
Honours with Liverpool: European Super Cup 2005-06, FA Cup 2005-06, Charity Shield 2006-07

PROFILE
Energetic midfielder Mohamed 'Momo' Sissoko spent nearly three years at Anfield after joining from Valencia in the summer of 2005.

The Malian had played under Rafa Benitez in Spain so it was no surprise when he chose Liverpool over the likes of Everton.

Benitez dared compare his new signing with Arsenal star Patrick Vieira - and the fans certainly weren't disappointed in his first two seasons.

Sissoko added steel previously lacking from the Liverpool midfield, though his first season on Merseyside was interrupted by a career-threatening eye injury sustained in a challenge with Benfica's Beto.

After just a month on the sidelines the African made a shock return against Birmingham. On doctors orders he donned protective goggles - though they didn't make it to half-time.

Two months later Sissoko put in a man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final against West Ham. The accolade would have been his but for the last-minute heroics of captain Steven Gerrard. Never mind; following a summer's break he was back at Cardiff for the Community Shield, and this time he did walk away with all the plaudits.

After an impressive start to the 2006-07 season, the Liverpool number 22 was back on the stretcher when he dislocated his shoulder against Birmingham. The injury ruled him out for three months.

Come February the African was back and putting in another stunning display, this time in the Nou Camp as the Reds beat Barcelona 2-1. The return leg saw him nearly break his goalscoring duck for the club - but he was denied by the crossbar.

Supporters would have to wait until the start of the 2007-08 season to see Sissoko get off the mark - and it proved to be a landmark goal for Liverpool. His 25-yard drive against Roy Keane's Sunderland at the Stadium of Light was the club's 7,000th league goal.

Despite this, the practicing Muslim was struggling to recapture the form he showed prior to his injuries and was sold to Juventus in January 2008 for a fee believed to be more than £8million.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Mark Wright

Mark Wright : Centre Half (1991-1998)
Date of Birth: 01-08-1963
Birthplace: Dorchester
Debut : 17th August 1991 v Oldham Athletic (H) Football League Division One: won 2-1
1st team games: 210
1st team goals: 7
Other clubs: Oxford United, Southampton and Derby County, Southport (manager), Oxford United (manager)
International caps while with Liverpool: 5 (England)
International goals while with Liverpool:
Honours with Liverpool: FA Cup 1992

PROFILE

Stylish England international Mark Wright was signed by Graeme Souness from Derby County for �2.2 million in the summer of 1991, and was soon joined at Anfield by Rams team-mate Dean Saunders.
With Alan Hansen retired, Glenn Hysen soon to go and Gary Gillespie moving on to Celtic, Liverpool were desperate for a centre half of quality, and after his courageous display's for England in the 1990 World Cup Wright fitted the bill perfectly.

Having made his Reds debut in the 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic at Anfield in August 1991, disaster came in his second game when he limped off after an hour in the 2-1 defeat by Manchester City at Maine Road. This was to be the start of many niggling injuries in his first season at Anfield but he did bounce back in style.

With Ronnie Whelan injured, Souness made Wright captain and his proudest moment came when he lifted the FA Cup at Wembley in 1992 after Liverpool defeated Sunderland 2-0.

However, that high was followed by a series of despairing lows with loss of form and injury problems set in. Wright lost the captaincy the following season and lost his place to the Dane Torben Piechnik.

More problems arose when Souness left Anfield and Roy Evans took sole charge. In the summer of 1994 Wright, along with Julian Dicks were relegated to the reserves after a 4-1 pre-season defeat at Bolton with Evans criticising the pair for attitude problems.

When Evans then signed John Scales and Phil Babb the writing looked to be on the wall for Wright but you can't keep a good man down and, in true three lions bravery, the England star bounced back to the team.

An Achilles problem and a knot of scar tissue higher up his leg was restricting Wright's progress and in a move of desperation he turned to blind physiotherapist Norman Collins for treatment. Collins was well known in the business for quick recovery and sure enough sorted out Wright's problem and the player was back in training.

Free of injury Wright worked harder than ever and was rewarded with a first team recall as a replacement for the injured Scales in March 1995 against Manchester United at Anfield. His performance that day signalled that Wright was back in business and a man of the match display saw Liverpool beat their fierce rivals 2-0.

Although he wasn't included in the 13 for the Coca Cola Cup win at Wembley in 1995, Wright was back the following season and with Scales moving to Tottenham he was back in his favoured position in a back three, playing 41 matches in the campaign.

A good leader and talker at the back, Wright was comfortable at bringing the ball out of defence and setting up attacks. He also chipped in with some memorable goals including a blistering drive against Queens Park Rangers in February 1996, and a header that gave the Reds brief hope against Paris St Germain in the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final defeat.

Wright left Anfield in 1998 after retiring due to injury and pursued a career in management. His first post arrived fairly locally as manager of Conference side Southport for the 2000-2001 season and he did a fine job, steering the Haig Avenue outfit to a finishing position in the top five.

However, following a disagreement with the Southport chairman of whether the club should go professional or not Wright left, but was quickly back in football being appointed manager of his old club Oxford United.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Paul Ince

Paul Ince : Midfield – 1997-99
Date of Birth: 21/10/1967
Birthplace: Ilford
Debut: v Wimbledon. 9th August 1997, drew 1-1
1st team games: 80
1st team goals: 17
Other clubs: West Ham, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Middlesbrough, Wolves.
Honours with Liverpool: None


PROFILE

The self confessed 'Guvnor' Paul Ince was signed by Roy Evans for £4.5 million from Inter Milan to add some steel to the midfield and was seen by many as the ideal partner for Jamie Redknapp.

However Redknapp was injured for the first 10 games of the 1997-98 season and Ince partnered Michael Thomas in midfield. Former Manchester United star Ince shocked Manchester and Liverpool when he decided to join the Anfield club and was seen as the replacement for John Barnes who moved on to Newcastle.

The early days were encouraging as Ince settled in well and scored on his home debut but it was to end in disappointment as Leicester beat Liverpool 2-1.

In his first season at Liverpool the Reds finished third in the Premiership and Ince's best moment of the campaign was scoring a derby goal in a 1-1 draw with Everton at Anfield.

The following season there was a clash of personalities at the club between Ince and the new management of Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson. Ince struggled with consistency and found it hard to adapt to becoming the defensive midfielder Houllier wanted.

One pivotal moment in his final second season at the club was an FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford. With 15 minutes left and Liverpool leading 1-0 Ince walked off the pitch to be replaced by Jason McAteer. Ince had played well and as soon as he left the field Liverpool threw the game away and lost 2-1. However he was roundly criticised by Liverpool fans who felt he could have stayed on the pitch and played through the pain barrier, rather than walk off demanding to be substituted.

He did end his Liverpool career on a high on the pitch, scoring a late equaliser against Manchester United at Anfield in front of the Kop as the Reds came back from 2-0 down to force a 2-2 draw. Ince also scored in his final game as Liverpool beat Wimbledon 3-0 at Anfield.

After leaving Liverpool he continued playing in the Premiership for Middlesbrough and later Wolves.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Stephane Henchoz

Stephane Henchoz : Defender (1999-2005)
Date of Birth: 07/09/1974
Birthplace: Billens, Switzerland
Debut : v Hull City, September 1999, won 4-2
1st team games: 205
1st team goals: 0
Other clubs: Stade Payerne, Bulle, Xamax Neuchatel, SV Hamburg, Blackburn Rovers, Celtic, Wigan Athletic
International caps : 69 (Switzerland)
International goals: 0
Honours with Liverpool: -

PROFILE

Stephane Henchoz left Liverpool in January 2005 to begin a new career with Celtic after joining the Glasgow side on a short term deal until the end of the 2005/06 season.

Henchoz returned to the Premiership in the 2005/06 season when he had a very successful campaign with newly promoted Wigan Athletic.


During his five-and-a-half year stay at Anfield Henchoz proved to be an inspirational signing and was popular with the Liverpool fans. Unfortunately the past two seasons were interrupted due to spells of injury but he still surpassed the 200 mark of games for Liverpool in 2003/04.

With Gerard Houllier preferring Igor Biscan at centre half Henchoz became something of a bit part player appearing as an occasional right back. However it was surely no surprise that results started to improve and Liverpool made the fourth place when Henchoz returned alongside Sami Hyypia in 2003/04.
Together with partner Hyypia, they make a formidable pair and are the rocks upon which the team is based.

Henchoz missed a large part of the 2002/03 season due to injury and it surely wasn't any coincidence that without him Liverpool's defence looked vulnerable and the Reds missed out on the Champions League. However the Swiss defender did return from injury to play in the 2003 Worthington Cup win over Manchester United in Cardiff.
Stephane was signed from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 1999. When Blackburn were relegated, Gerard Houllier moved swiftly to bring the cultured Swiss international to Anfield for a bargain 3.5 million, beating off competition from other interested European clubs.

Unfortunately the Liverpool supporters had to wait to witness the appearance of Henchoz in a red shirt. A groin injury delayed his debut and he became the last of the club's seven signings that summer to make his debut in the 4-2 win over Hull City in the Worthington Cup in September 1999.
Strong in the air and an uncompromising man marker, Henchoz became a vital member of the much improved Liverpool rearguard and was an unsung hero of the Reds' treble success.

He never scored from Liverpool in a senior match apart from a penalty in the Carling Cup win at Tottenham in the 2004/05 season, and in pre-season 2004 he scored in a pre-season friendly against Celtic.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Michael Owen

Michael Owen : (Striker, 1997-2004)
Date of Birth: 14/12/1979
Birthplace: Chester
Debut : v Wimbledon, 1997
1st team games: 297
1st team goals: 158
Other clubs: Real Madrid, Newcastle United.
International caps while with Liverpool: 60
International goals while with Liverpool: 26



PROFILE

Michael Owen scored on his debut for the Reds at Wimbledon in 1997 and didn't look back.

Since 1998 Owen was Liverpool's top scorer every season until he joined Real Madrid in August 2004.

The star of Liverpool's 1996 FA Youth Cup triumph, Michael has been with the club since a schoolboy and scored prolifically as he rose rapidly through the Anfield ranks.

During the summer of 1998 he achieved worldwide fame following his stunning strike in the World Cup second round clash between England against Argentina. Off the pitch he collected the PFA Young Player of the Year for season 1997-98 and in 1998 was also voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

It was in the treble season that Owen continued and enhanced his reputation in the treble season. He hit two goals against AS Roma in the UEFA Cup and followed that up with two magnificent late goals to win the FA Cup Final for Liverpool in Cardiff against Arsenal - a match which has since been called 'The Michael Owen Cup Final'. That just confirmed his standing as one of the most exciting strikers in Europe.

He followed that up by scoring a sensational hat-trick in England's 5-1 win over Germany, becoming the first England player since Sir Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick against Germany.

Michael was named European Footballer of the Year in December 2001 when he received the prestigious ballon D'or and scored his 100th Liverpool goal against West Ham at Upton Park on 29th December 2001.

In the 2002/03 season Owen scored 28 goals for Liverpool including his 100th in the Premiership with a hat-trick at West Bromwich Albion. Owen also scored at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff again when Liverpool beat Manchester United 2-0 to win the Worthington Cup.

In an injury hit 2003/04 campaign he still managed to net 19 goals and also surpass the England scoring record of Anfield legend Roger Hunt.

But with just one year remaining on his contract Owen's long-term future was the subject of much debate during the summer of 2004 and, despite the arrival of new boss Rafael Benitez, he opted for a high profile move to Real Madrid on the eve of the new season.

Owen returned to England a year later opting to join Newcastle United for £16 million. It was no secret that Liverpool tried to bring him back home but once Madrid accepted the huge fee from the Geordies the Reds were priced out of the deal.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Danny Murphy

Danny Murphy (Midfielder, 1997-2004)

Born: Chester
Date of birth: 18-3-1977
Other Clubs : Charlton Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur.
1st team games: 249
1st team goals: 44
England caps with Liverpool: 9
International goals: 1


PROFILE

Danny Murphy ended a seven year association with Liverpool when he signed for Premiership side Charlton Athletic for 2.5 million in August 2004.

Boyhood Red Murphy scored some vital goals for Liverpool including three winning goals at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a superb derby winner against Everton. During the 2002/03 season Murphy was named the supporters player of the year and scored 12 goals from midfield.

Signed from Crewe Alexandra by Roy Evans for 2 million in 1997, after impressing alongside Michael Owen for England in the World Youth Championships, he arrived with a reputation as one of the most promising youngsters in the game.

However, with competition for first team places at Liverpool so tough he struggled to establish himself as nothing other than a fringe player and was loaned back to Gresty Road at the tail end of the 1998/99 season.
His Liverpool days were seemingly numbered but on his return the following season he finally made the break though into the first team, scored his first goals for the club and staked a claim for a regular place in Gerard Houllier's starting line-up.

A cruel injury blow forced him to miss out on the Worthington Cup final success against Birmingham in 2001 but he started in the memorable cup final triumph's over Arsenal and Alaves and was an integral part of Houllier's squad.

Murphy left Charlton to join Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Dietmar Hamann

Dietmar Hamann : Midfield (1999-2006)
Date of Birth: 27/8/1973
Birthplace: Waldasson, Bavaria
Debut : V Sheffield Wednesday, 7th August 1999. Won 2-1
1st team games: 283
1st team goals: 11
Other clubs: FC Wacker Munchen, Bayern Munchen, Newcastle United.
Honours won with Liverpool: Worthington Cup 2001, FA Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, FA Charity Shield 2001. UEFA Super Cup 2001, Carling Cup 2003, UEFA Champions League 2005, FA Cup 2006


PROFILE

Mr dependable, popular German star Dietmar Hamann left Liverpool in July 2006 to sign for Manchester City bringing to an end seven glorious years at Anfield.

One of the best holding midfield players in Europe, Didi played a major part in the Champions League win over AC Milan when he entered the field as a second half substitute and inspired the team to come back from 3-0 down, when he marked Kaka and enabled Steven Gerrard and company to get the Reds back into the match.
He also came on as a substitute in the FA Cup win over West Ham in 2006 and more than played his part in another trophy win for the Reds.

Didi was signed by Gerard Houllier from Newcastle United for £8 million in 1999 and quickly became a fans favourite and a vital member of the Liverpool team.

Hamann was the holding player in midfield who breaks up attacks and is also a good passer of the ball.

After starting his career at the little known Wacker Munich, where his father was coach, Didi joined their more illustrious city rivals Bayern as a 16-year old in 1989. He made his first team debut two years later and in nine years with the Bavarian giants won two Bundesliga titles, the German Cup and UEFA Cup.

After playing for his country in the 1998 World Cup he joined Newcastle, managed at the time by Kenny Dalglish, for 5.5 million.

Following his spell at St James' Park, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal all declared an interest but in July 1999 he opted to join Gerard Houllier's Liverpool revolution.

The 2000/2001 season saw Hamann prove himself as a man for the big occasion, excelling as the club won a much-celebrated cup treble and a place in the Champions League.

Hamann since became the first Liverpool player since Roger Hunt in 1966 to play in a World Cup Final, but finished on the losing side as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup 2-0. Despite the defeat he was widely regarded as one of Germany's best players during the tournament.

Didi wrote himself into the record books when he became the last man to score at Wembley Stadium, his long range free-kick helping Germany to a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over England in October 2000.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Djimi Traore

Djimi Traore: Defender. 1999-2006

Date of birth: 1/3/1980
1st team games: 141
1st team goals: 1
Birthplace: Laval
Honours with Liverpool: Worthington Cup 2003, Champions League 2005, FA Cup 2006.




PROFILE

Djimi Traore left Liverpool just before the start of the 2006/2007 season to begin a new career at Charlton Athletic.

The Mali international will be remembered as one of the heroes of Istanbul and he made a goal-line clearance in the Champions League final against AC Milan.
Traore was signed by Gerard Houllier from Laval in France in 1999. After establishing himself at centre half during the 2002/03 season when he deputised for the injured Stephane Henchoz, Traore then fell out of favour with Gerard Houllier in 2003/04 and spent most of the time in the reserve team.

He was set for a move to Everton just before the start of the 2004/2005 season but new manager Rafael Benitez blocked the transfer and he ended up with a Champions League winners medal. Traore had an excellent Champions League campaign for Liverpool and his sliding last ditch tackles won him admirers during that campaign.

The highly rated Traore was one of the most sought after youngsters in Europe when Houllier paid Laval £500,000 for him in February 1999 as the manager claimed AC Milan, Paris St Germain and Lazio were just a number of top clubs who courted Traore's signature. Houllier had described the player as having great potential and a big player for the future.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Jan Kromkamp

Jan Kromkamp : Defender
Date of Birth: 17-08-1980
Birthplace: Makkinga, Holland
Debut : v Luton Town, January 7th 2006. FA Cup 3rd round. Won 5-3
1st team games: 18
1st team goals: 0
Other clubs: Go Ahead Eagles, AZ67 Alkmaar, Villarreal.
International caps while with Liverpool: -
International goals while with Liverpool: -
Honours with Liverpool: FA Cup 2006.

PROFILE

Dutch international right back Jan Kromkamp won an FA Cup winners medal during his short spell with Liverpool in 2006.

Kromkamp was Rafael Benitez's first signing of 2006 when he arrived at Anfield during the transfer window in a swop deal that saw Spaniard Josemi move to Villarreal.

He made his Liverpool debut as a substitute in the epic FA Cup 5-3 win over Luton in January 2006 and went on to pick up an FA Cup winners medal in his first season at Anfield. He played his part in the final when he came on as a substitute and brought some fresh energy to the team on the right side of midfield.

Born in Makkinga, Holland, he started his professional career as a midfielder with Go Ahead Eagles in 1998, for whom he scored five goals in 61 appearances before joining AZ67 Alkmaar.

His spell in La Liga with Villarreal was brief. After joining them during the summer of 2005 he found it hard to settle and made just a handful of appearances before Liverpool swooped.

Kromkamp was sold by Benitez to PSV Eindhoven in September 2006.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Stephen Warnock

Date of Birth: 12-12-1981
Birthplace: Ormskirk.
Debut : -
1st team games: 67
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Bradford City loan, Coventry City loan.
International caps while with Liverpool: -
International goals while with Liverpool: -
Honours with Liverpool: Super Cup 2005

PROFILE

Stephen Warnock was a solid and reliable performer at left back who never let anyone down when called upon for first team duty.

He came through the Academy and bounced back from two broken legs to achieve his dream of breaking into the Liverpool first team.

Despite earning rave reports in the reserve team, Warnock was never given a fair chance under Gerard Houllier and had two season long loan spells with Bradford City and Coventry City. Indeed during his spell at Coventry he was named the supporters Player of the Season.

It was the summer of 2004 when Warnock, who was pondering his Liverpool future, had a new lease of life at Anfield under Rafael Benitez. The player was included for the pre-season tour of the USA and Canada and played in all three of the matches.

Warnock then made his Liverpool debut as an 80th minute substitute for Steven Gerrard during the Champions League qualifier in Graz. He then started in Olympiacos but his most memorable game was away in Bayer Leverkusen on the road to Istanbul. He had a storming game which was epitomised in stoppage time when he made a superb tackle in stoppage time to stop the Germans scoring.

Despite being a regular in the squad for the majority of the 2004/2005 season he then suffered major disappointment when he wasn't included in the party for the Champions League final against AC Milan.

In the following season 2005/2006 Warnock was an unused substitute in the Super Cup final when Liverpool beat CSKA Moscow 3-1 in Monaco, but was again left out of the squad for the 2006 FA Cup final in Cardiff.

Unfortunately a series of niggling injuries restricted Warnock's progress at Anfield and he left to join Blackburn Rovers in January 2007.

PAST PLAYER PROFILE - Bolo Zenden

Date of Birth: 15/08/1976
Birthplace: Maastricht
Debut : v TNS. July 13th 2005, Champions League qualifier. Won 3-0
1st team games: 47
1st team goals: 2
Other clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough.
International caps while with Liverpool: -
International goals while with Liverpool: -
Honours with Liverpool: UEFA Super Cup 2005, FA Community Shield 2006.

PROFILE

Versatile Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden was captured on a free transfer from Middlesbrough in July 2005 and played his part in helping Liverpool reach the Champions League final in 2007.

Zenden, who was commonly known as Bolo, became the third Dutchman to play for Liverpool following in the footsteps of Sander Westerveld and Erik Meijer. He had an injury hit spell at Anfield but he was a useful outlet for Rafael Benitez because he could play central midfield, left midfield and even played at left back on a few occasions.

The Dutchman's best moment was the 2007 Champions League semi-final at Anfield. He was a surprise choice to start the game but he did a good job on the left side of midfield and scored a penalty in the shoot-out that Liverpool went on to win.

He also played in the Champions League final against AC Milan and in the 2005 Super Cup final he showed his versatility by playing in three positions during the win over CSKA Moscow in Monaco.

Bolo began his career at PSV Eindhoven and collected a Dutch Championship winner's medal in 1996, before he moved to Spanish giants Barcelona. Benitez first came across Zenden when he played for Barcelona and helped the Catalan club win the Spanish title in his first season at the Nou Camp.

He then moved to the Premiership in 2001 when he joined Chelsea for a fee of 7.5 million, before spending the whole of the 2003/04 season on loan with Middlesbrough, scoring the winner against Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup final as the club won their first ever major trophy.