The greatest Liverpool XI of the 21st century: Cult heroes, bargain signings and club legends make the cut

Some of world football's biggest names have represented Liverpool since the turn of the millennium as the Reds have enjoyed success at home and in Europe. A century that began with Gerard Houllier guiding the club to an FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup treble has also brought two successes in the Champions League and, finally, an end to the long wait for a Premier League title.

During the last 23 years, there have been club record signings, academy stars turning into Anfield legends and bargain additions that have proven their worth by making a serious impact during their time playing in front of the Kop.

But who makes the cut in a greatest Liverpool XI of the 21st century?

Alisson

The man that has to be in the argument over who is Liverpool's greatest goalkeeper of all-time absolutely has to find his way into this side. The Brazil international has added a new dimension to the Reds and has proven to be worth each and every penny of the reported £66.8m handed over to Roma to secure his services.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

This is a story that is far from over as the boyhood Reds fan continues to shine with his beloved club. Maybe he isn't fully appreciated by supporters around the country or by a certain national team manager - but Trent is beloved by the Anfield faithful and will continue to shine in red for many years to come.

Sami Hyypia

Surely one of the biggest bargains in the club's recent history, Finnish international Hyypia moved to Anfield in the summer of 1999 and became integral as he helped the Reds claim remarkable success during a decade at the club. A Champions League winner in 2005, the classy centre-back also became a two-time FA Cup winner, two-time League Cup winner, two-time UEFA Super cup winner and a UEFA Cup winner.

Virgil Van Dijk

Quite simply, a colossus and a defender that has proven his class from the moment he joined Liverpool in a £75m deal from Southampton in January 2018. Van Dijk has almost made a mockery of that fee by playing an integral role in helping the club land a long-awaited Premier League title win, as well as lifting the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Cup.

Andrew Robertson

Another shrewd addition at just £8m, the former Hull City left-back has gone on to make over 275 appearances for the Reds and was a big part of their Premier League title win and Champions League success under Jurgen Klopp.

Xabi Alonso

Has there been a classier midfielder that has worn a red shirt since the turn of the millennium. The former Real Sociedad star certainly had an eye for a pass and was always capable of scoring a stunning long-range effort. The Spain international also scored in the Champions League Final win against AC Milan and became a firm favourite with the Kop during his five-year stay at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard

What can you say about Gerrard that has not been said already? An icon, a legend and a true leader in every sense of the word. From a promising midfielder to a genuine great, Gerrard's journey through the Anfield ranks is the stuff of legends. His performance in hauling his side back into the Champions League Final against AC Milan in 2005 must rank amongst the greatest individual displays in the club's illustrious history.

Mohamed Salah

It is easy to forget just how underwhelming the Egyptian star's first stint in the Premier League was as he failed to make an impact at Chelsea. The same can not be said of his time at Anfield as the forward has plundered his way to 200 goals in 328 appearances and played a significant role in securing silverware in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup.

Fernando Torres

His departure to Chelsea may well have soured his relationship with the Anfield faithful but there is no doubt Torres make a spectacular impact during his time with the red half of Merseyside. A deadly partnership with Steven Gerrard wreaked havoc with defences at home and in Europe as the Spain international scored 81 goals in 142 during a four-year stay at the club.

Luis Suarez

There were some questions asked when Suarez was brought in to replace Torres in January 2010 - but any doubts were cast aside as the Uruguay international showed how deadly he can be during a goal-laden stay at Anfield. With a stunning strike rate of under a goal in every 1.6 games for the club, Suarez became a terrace hero despite only landing one major piece of silverware during his three years with the club.

Sadio Mane

Mane may not get the plaudits handed to Mohamed Salah but his impact at Anfield should never be underestimated. The Senegal international scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists in 269 appearances for the club and enjoyed success in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup prior to his departure to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.