James Milner completed his move to Liverpool this week and posed for photos holding the iconic No. 7 shirt. It was a number that was sported by Liverpool legends such as Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan. Let’s take a look at the last five players to wear the No. 7 top for the Reds.
Luis Suarez – 2011-2014
Suarez was the last player to wear the No. 7 shirt. He was signed from Ajax by Kenny Dalglish and scored on his home debut against Stoke City.
He quickly became one of the most exciting players to grace Anfield and was on the scoresheet 82 times in 133 appearances.
He was integral when Liverpool came so close to winning the league in the 2013-14 season.
However, he did come with disciplinary issues as he was banned for over 20 matches for numerous incidents on the pitch.
Robbie Keane – 2008-2009
Keane made a big money move from Tottenham Hotspur but the striker did not score his first goal for the Reds until October, in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven.
One of his more memorable moments in a Liverpool shirt came against Arsenal when he scored a brilliant equaliser.
Overall, his time at Anfield was not successful as he made a return to Spurs in February 2009.
Harry Kewell – 2003-2008
Kewell moved from Leeds United after reportedly rejecting the advances of European clubs such as Milan and Barcelona.
A series of injuries halted his Liverpool career but the left-sided midfielder was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Champions League and the FA Cup under Rafael Benitez.
The Australian managed a total of 136 games before leaving the club for Turkish side Galatasaray.
Vladimír Šmicer – 1999-2005
It was the Czech Republic international Smicer who surrendered the No. 7 shirt to Kewell.
He was signed from French club Lens for approximately £4m.
The attacking player would be remembered by many Liverpool fans for his part in one of the greatest comebacks of all time in Istanbul.
He accumulated a total of 184 matches in his time at Liverpool before moving back to France to play for Bordeaux.
Steve McManaman – 1990-1999
McManaman graduated from the Liverpool academy and quickly became one of the most promising youngsters in the league.
He and Nick Barmby finished as runners-up to Ryan Giggs for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 1992.
The gifted winger won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds before making a move to Spain’s Real Madrid.
It’s fair to say that most of the individuals that wore the No. 7 shirt for Liverpool enjoyed at least some success with the club so here’s hoping James Milner replicates the achievements of these players.
