Liverpool look set to recruit a new right-back in the form of Nathaniel Clyne and it was a position that needed strengthening after Glen Johnson’s release. A number of players have occupied that role for Liverpool, some great, some not so great. I decided to take a look back at the last few players to be employed in that position.
Josemi 2004-2006
This Spaniard will be most remembered as Rafael Benitez’s first signing as Liverpool manager. He was signed from Malaga for just £2 million. He managed to pip Steve Finnan for the right-back berth for a short while before getting suspended for a red card offense. He lost his place in the team and when he did play, Josemi failed to convince. The following season, he barely got a game and left The Reds just before the start of 2006 in a swap deal with a right-back from Villareal.
Jan Kromkamp 2006
It was this Dutchman who swapped team with Josemi. Having just made his debut for the Netherlands national team earlier in 2005, he arrived as a promising player ready to offer Finnan firm competition. But Kromkamp failed to live up to the promise and was limited to appearances of the bench. The most notable appearance for him must have been the FA Cup Final in 2006. He came on midway through the second-half for Xabi Alonso. He made Holland’s World Cup squad that year but failed to feature. He left in August to PSV Eindhoven.
Steve Finnan 2003-2008
Liverpool signed Finnan from Fulham for a fee of £3.5 million. He established himself as a key member of the team and his consistent performances made him a fan favourite at Anfield. He started in the famous Istanbul final and played the full match a year later in the FA Cup final against West Ham. Finnan’s performances for Liverpool also made him a regular for the Republic of Ireland side as he accumulated over 50 caps for them. Alvaro Arbeloa was signed to provide competition but he continued as first choice right-back until 2008. The summer of 2008 was the right time for him to leave as he made a move to Spain’s Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.
Alvaro Arbeloa 2007-2009
Arbeloa became the latest right-back to be signed by Rafa, he joined from Deportivo La Coruna in the January transfer window. After Finnan’s departure, the Spaniard became a vital cog in the Liverpool wheel with his foraging runs down the right and his disciplined defending. He also featured frequently for Spain’s national side. In July 2009, Liverpool reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the sale of Arbeloa, much to the surprise of Liverpool fans.
Philipp Degen 2008-2011
Degen arrived on a bosman free transfer from Borussia Dortmund. The Swiss defender arrived to the sound of ringing praise from Rafa but a series of injuries halted his progress. When Roy Hodgson took over, Degen went out on loan to Stuttgart for one season. When the Swiss international returned, he was released by the club and rejoined Basel.
Glen Johnson 2009-2015
Signed from Portsmouth for a substantial fee, there was a lot of expectation on Johnson to perform. Liverpool had to fight off competition from Chelsea for the England international. His career at Liverpool was mediocre. Johnson was utilised in a number of positions and his attacking threat was beneficial for Liverpool as he carried a goal threat. But he was quick to receive criticism from Liverpool fans towards the end of his Liverpool career. He was released by the club this month.
