Liverpool is one of the oldest football clubs in the world. Throughout its history, Liverpool has been transformed into a big club that is respected because it was able to win various titles, such as the English League, Champions League, and Club World Cup.
This of course cannot be separated from the great players who have always filled the Liverpool squad from time to time. However, there are some of them who are considered too early to leave the Reds. The following are five players Liverpool unexpectedly sold:
5. John Arne Riise
Before Andrew Robertson’s name shines now, Liverpool once had a great left-back in John Arne Riise. He joined Liverpool in 2001 and went on to become part of the Reds’ core squad with the stamina, speed of work and his famous shooting skills.
However, in the 2007-2008 season, Riise scored an own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League. It made Liverpool eliminated. In that season, Riise also lost his place in the Liverpool first team because he was replaced by Fabio Aurelio. Riise moved to AS Roma in the summer of 2008.
“Rafa (Benitez) told me that they were going to sign a new left-back and that I would not be the first choice. Usually that doesn’t bother me because at a club like Liverpool you always face new players and it’s tough competition, “said Riise.
4. Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso is one of the best midfielders of his time. The Spanish passport midfielder has excellent technique, passing ability and set-piece prowess.
Even so, Alonso only lasted five seasons at Liverpool (2004-2009). Because, Alonso felt unwanted by Rafael Benitez. Therefore, Alonso decided to move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. This made Steven Gerrard so upset.
“Obviously Alonso is royalty after our first training session together in August 2004, and Rafa Benitez, who was so smart from the start, was just as stupid as selling him to Real Madrid five years later. From a distance, he was the best central midfielder I have played with, “wrote Gerrard in his autobiographical book.
3. Luis Suarez
Since his arrival to Liverpool in January 2011, Luis Suarez has immediately appeared to kick off and become the Reds’ goal machine. Suarez doesn’t seem to want to make Liverpool fans dissolve in grief after Fernando Torres left for Chelsea.
Suarez’s career with Liverpool continued to skyrocket until finally in the summer of 2014 Barcelona came to make an offer. Liverpool should be able to keep Suarez, but they cannot guarantee that they will fulfill the player’s wish to win the Champions League.
“My desire at Liverpool is to help the club play at the elite level again. If Liverpool are not in the Champions League, it is difficult to get the best players to come to the club. That’s the reason for me to come to Barcelona, not only to play in that tournament but also to win it, “said Suarez.
2. Raheem Sterling
Liverpool is the club where Raheem Sterling started his professional career. As a young player, Sterling is quite recognized for having good speed and dribbling skills. Unfortunately, during four seasons at Liverpool, Sterling could only score 23 goals in 129 appearances.
That ultimately led Liverpool to let Sterling go when Manchester City came up with an offer of 63.7 million euros in 2015. And it turned out that a move to Man City was actually Sterling’s turning point. As well as maturing, Sterling also worked with Josep Guardiola who made him an elite player.
“When I joined Liverpool, I said if I hadn’t won the Premier League by the time I was 21, I needed to look at my options and see what I did there. I applied it from a young age. And I came to City and won my first Premier League, “explained Sterling.
1. Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano is a player who completes Liverpool’s midfield trio with Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard. Playing as a defensive midfielder, Mascherano has successfully supported the Reds’ midfield with his ability to feed, find positions, tackle, and have tactical intelligence.
However, in the summer of 2010 Mascherano left Liverpool and joined Barcelona. With the Blaugrana, Mascherano had a successful career, including winning five Spanish League titles and two Champions League trophies.
“I tend to close it on time because when I leave Liverpool, it’s not good for me, and I don’t like it. I don’t like the feeling that I can go back to Liverpool, and there is still something poisonous there. And I don’t want the same thing to happen to me at Barcelona, “said Mascherano.
