With one of Liverpool’s most iconic right-backs potentially leaving at the end of the season, let’s have a look at the best to play in there for the Reds.
What makes a great right-back? Is it speed, power, or strength? What have they won? What is their ability to defend one-on-one, or these days, the ability to control the play?
Taking all of these into account, along with the historical context of their careers, and in no particular order, here is a list we have compiled of the four best right-backs in the history of this great club.
Tommy Smith
A stalwart of the Bill Shankly, and later, the Bob Paisley era at Liverpool.
Smith played for the Reds for 16 years, accumulating 638 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.
The right-back was born and raised in Liverpool, just a stone’s throw away from Anfield, and grew up supporting the Reds.
Smith played in a variety of other positions too in his career, at centre-back, inside-left, and striker.
He was known primarily for his defensive solidity, but also scored a fair few goals in his time.
Smith scored the winning goal in the 1977 European Cup final with a glancing header to secure Liverpool’s first-ever ascension to the peak of the European summit.
He died in 2019, on Merseyside, aged 74.
Phil Neal
Right-back Neal joined Liverpool in 1974, and was a regular in the team until his departure in 1985.
Signed for Liverpool from Northampton Town, Neal was Bob Paisley’s first signing as manager.
Neal made his Liverpool debut in a 0-0 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
He made 417 consecutive appearances for Liverpool between October 1976 and September 1983, a Liverpool record.
Neal was known for his technical ability, and his penalty-taking prowess was really important during a period of immense success.
He rounded off his playing career with four years at Bolton Wanderers before going on to manage the Trotters, and later Coventry City, Cardiff City, and Manchester City as a caretaker.
Steve Nicol
Born in Scotland, Nicol joined Liverpool in 1981, but had to wait awhile for a regular place in the side.
Neal was known for his technical ability, and his penalty-taking prowess was really important during a period of immense success.
He rounded off his playing career with four years at Bolton Wanderers before going on to manage the Trotters, and later Coventry City, Cardiff City, and Manchester City as a caretaker.
Steve Nicol
Born in Scotland, Nicol joined Liverpool in 1981, but had to wait awhile for a regular place in the side.
He made 417 consecutive appearances for Liverpool between October 1976 and September 1983, a Liverpool record.
Neal was known for his technical ability, and his penalty-taking prowess was really important during a period of immense success.
He rounded off his playing career with four years at Bolton Wanderers before going on to manage the Trotters, and later Coventry City, Cardiff City, and Manchester City as a caretaker.
Steve Nicol
Born in Scotland, Nicol joined Liverpool in 1981, but had to wait awhile for a regular place in the side.
