Liverpool’s Best Signings in the Past Decade: Insights from Ian Graham

In a recent episode of The Daily Red podcast on Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick took a deep dive into Ian Graham’s assessment of Liverpool’s top six signings in the past decade. Graham, a key figure in Liverpool’s recruitment strategy, offers valuable insights into what made these signings so successful. Here’s a look at Hendrick’s reflections on these standout players and why they continue to be regarded as some of the best transfers in the club’s recent history.

Daniel Sturridge: A Prolific but Unfortunate Talent

Daniel Sturridge, according to Graham, was a sensational signing for Liverpool. Hendrick emphasized the striker’s impact, particularly noting, “If it hadn’t been for injuries, he would have been one of the best strikers Liverpool ever had.” Sturridge’s prolific goal-scoring abilities combined with his playmaking skills made him a formidable presence on the pitch. Hendrick speculated, “A 23-24-year-old Daniel Sturridge with no injury issues is easily a £100 million player today.” Sturridge’s versatility and technical brilliance were undeniable, but his career was tragically marred by persistent injuries.

Joel Matip: The Underrated Free Transfer

One of the most underrated signings in recent years has been Joel Matip. Hendrick reflected on how Matip’s development was extraordinary, calling him “the second-best free transfer the club has ever made.” He noted that Matip’s partnership with Virgil van Dijk elevated his game to new heights. “Virgil makes everybody better,” Hendrick remarked, highlighting Van Dijk’s influence not just on Matip but on all his defensive partners. This partnership was key to Liverpool’s recent defensive successes, and Matip’s contribution cannot be overstated.

Sadio Mané: A Premier League Superstar

Sadio Mané’s rise to prominence at Liverpool was meteoric, and Hendrick passionately declared him “the best player in the Premier League” during the club’s title-winning campaign. Mané’s performances were pivotal to Liverpool’s success, and Hendrick was adamant that the Senegalese forward was unjustly denied the Footballer of the Year award, describing the oversight as “one of the biggest injustices in recent football history.”

Andy Robertson: The Bargain of the Century

Liverpool’s shrewd acquisition of Andy Robertson for a mere £8 million, plus the swap of Kevin Stewart, stands out as one of the best value-for-money transfers in football. While Robertson’s recent form has dipped, Hendrick stressed, “We got five great years out of him for £3 million.” Robertson’s relentless energy, defensive capabilities, and crossing ability made him a crucial part of Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp.

Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian King

Unsurprisingly, Mohamed Salah made Graham’s list. Described as “potentially the best attacking player Liverpool has ever had,” Salah’s longevity and consistent goal-scoring record have placed him among the club’s all-time greats. Hendrick acknowledged that while Luis Suárez may have been more talented, Salah’s incredible consistency has set him apart, solidifying his place as a modern Liverpool legend.

Fabinho: The Missing Piece in Midfield

Rounding off the list was Fabinho, whose signing elevated Liverpool from a good team to a great one. Hendrick pointed out that Fabinho’s versatility, having previously been scouted as a right-back, made him a unique asset. Fabinho’s presence in midfield added the stability and defensive strength that allowed Liverpool to dominate in both domestic and European competitions.

Conclusion

These six players—Daniel Sturridge, Joel Matip, Sadio Mané, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Fabinho—have left an indelible mark on Liverpool Football Club. Their contributions have been instrumental in the club’s recent successes, from winning the Premier League to lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy. Ian Graham’s insight into these signings highlights not just their individual talents but the strategy and foresight behind their acquisition.

Liverpool’s ability to identify and nurture talent, as evidenced by the stories of these six players, continues to be a key factor in the club’s dominance in English and European football. As Hendrick aptly put it during the podcast, “These players have defined an era for Liverpool, and their legacies will endure for years to come.”