Saturday 16 May 2015 07:16, UK
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson picks his #One2Eleven from team-mates at the Reds and the Irish national team.
The former Republic of Ireland international, who made over 200 appearances for Liverpool, has opted for a 3-1-4-2 formation...
Goalkeeper: BRUCE GROBBELAAR
Far and away the best goalkeeper I’ve ever played with. He was mad. A great athlete, probably the best at the club, strong as an Ox but he was bonkers. If there was a scrap, he was the first in there.
Right Centre-back: PAUL MCGRATH
He was big, he was strong, and he was quick. He was the nicest, shyest person you will ever meet in your life but what a performer. I never saw him have a bad day ever.
Centre-back: ALAN HANSEN
The game was too easy for him. He played golf, squash and football for Scotland. He was quite a good looking lad so we weren’t jealous.
Left Centre-back: STEVE NICOL
The most stupid footballer you would have ever met but also one of the most talented. He could play anywhere. Never got injured, really strong, played down the left, the right, good in the air. He used to get goals as well when he used to play in midfield.
Defensive Midfielder: GRAEME SOUNESS
He was the toughest footballer I’ve ever played with. It was like being there with your brother in charge so you always felt safe. He would scrap with everyone; he used to start fights when he wanted to. A great player and I don’t think he got enough credit he deserved.
Right Wing: BOBBY CHARLTON
The game was just so easy to him. It was unbelievable when you play with him. He just moaned at the ref, never ever stopped.
Centre Midfielder: JOHNNY GILES
Two-footed, small, his tackling was frightening, and hungry for a small bloke. He was a hungry player.
Centre Midfielder: LIAM BRADY
I once said that the best walking footballer I’ve ever seen is Berbatov but he was close to that. Nobody ever got near him. He had this left foot that was fantastic and everyone said put him on his left foot but it didn’t make any difference.
Left Wing: JOHN BARNES
In his first two years at Liverpool he was spectacular. Not just on the ball which we all know - left foot, dribbling skills, scoring and creating goals - but defensively he was fantastic and anybody who played behind him, the game was made easy.
Striker: IAN RUSH
When we played in Europe he was our best defender. He used to harass any back four. (He was) lightning quick but also a great finisher. Never, ever got injured and used to score for fun.
Striker: KENNY DALGLISH
He was the best player I’ve ever played with. He couldn’t run, he couldn’t head it and had a big bottom but he was a genius. Never wore shin pads ever. He played with his back to goal nearly all the time and he knew where Rushy was. The footage where they linked up for goals is just outstanding.
