Three ex-Liverpool stars who didn’t always get their due credit

Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world with one of the richest histories. Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, John Barnes, Steven Gerrard are a few among many great players to have played a role in the Reds’ storied past.

However, along with the best of the best, there have been players along the way who might not have stolen the limelight always but have made vital contributions for the club. For every superstar, there has always been an underdog, pushing their limits for the team’s cause but their contributions haven’t always been given due credit.

And here, we take a look at three such underrated players in Liverpool’s recent history, who haven’t always gotten the appreciation and the credit that they have deserved.

Steve Finnan (2003-2008)

Part of that magical night in Istanbul, Irish full-back Steve Finnan doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. Signed from Fulham in 2003, Finnan made the right-back slot at Liverpool his own for the next five years. The defender was a mainstay in Rafael Benitez’s side that won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup next year.

A full-back with a solid all-round game, Finnan was a reliable defender while being potent with his overlapping runs and crosses into the box. The former Irish international made 217 appearances during his stint at Anfield, scoring one goal and setting up 12 before leaving in 2008 to join Spanish outfit Espanyol.

Finnan was 32 years old when he decided to leave the club. However, there will always be a feeling that the Irishman should have been retained by the club for another year or two, as he still had plenty left to offer.

Yossi Benayoun (2007-2010)

When Liverpool signed Yossi Benayoun from West Ham United in 2007, there wasn’t much excitement surrounding his arrival. But the former Israeli international grew into the club’s supporters over time with some memorable displays during his three-year stint.

A versatile attacking midfielder who could play through the middle or on either flank, Benayoun made 134 appearances for Liverpool, in which he managed to score 29 goals and set up 19. He might not have been the most hard-working player, but Benayoun dazzled the crowd with his tricky feet and skills.

Some of his most memorable performances include the special winning goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League in 2009 and the brace he scored in the entertaining 4-4 draw against Arsenal a couple of months later.

Dirk Kuyt

Arguably one of the most underrated players in the game, let alone Liverpool history, Dirk Kuyt was someone whose value was often overlooked, especially by the fans of our rivals.

Signed from Feyenoord in 2006, Kuyt arrived as a centre-forward but quickly remodelled himself into an effective right-sided winger who would go on to enjoy many memorable moments at Liverpool. The Dutchman might not have been the flashiest player, but he won over the fans with his relentless efforts on the field and his big-match appetite.

Kuyt went on to make 287 appearances for our club, during which he produced an impressive return of 71 goals and 40 assists.

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The last penalty in the shootout during the 2007 UEFA Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, the two penalties that secured a memorable derby win against Everton at Goodison Park in the same year, the last-minute winner in the Kop End that knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup in 2012 – Kuyt gave us many memorable moments before leaving for Fenerbahce in 2012.