Graeme Souness signed for Liverpool from Middlesbrough in 1978, for a fee of £350,000, which was a record transfer fee between two English clubs at that time. Souness spent six glorious years at Liverpool where he won five League titles, three European Cups and four League Cups.

Souness quickly established himself in the Liverpool first team, fittingly scoring his first goal for the club in a victory against bitter rivals Manchester United, the goal was later voted Liverpool’s best goal of the season.

As if scoring against United in only his second home game wasn’t enough, Souness soon established himself as an Anfield favourite. His tough tackling, no-nonsense approach made him unpopular with opposing fans, but with an ice cool temperament, meant that the more hostile an environment, the better he played.

Souness played a pivotal midfield role and was instrumental as Liverpool made history by becoming the first English team to retain the European cup in 1978, in fact it was Souness’ pass to Kenny Dalglish that led to the winning goal in the final.

Continuing to be huge influence on the pitch, Souness was made Liverpool team captain in 1982, a season in which Liverpool again won the League Championship and the League Cup.

Souness enjoyed more illustrious seasons as Liverpool went on to win the League title for three years running, and he led Liverpool to a fourth European Cup final victory in 1984, as Liverpool completed the ‘treble’ which also included the League Championship and League Cup, Souness himself scored in the penalty shoot-out that secured the European cup against Roma.

Little did anyone know at the time of that famous European Cup victory, would be Graeme Souness’ last game for Liverpool, leaving for Italian side Sampdoria, in a £650,000 transfer.

As a player, Souness was considered by many fans to be the best midfielder in football, and it would take Liverpool many years to find anyone as good. Souness later came back to manage Liverpool, but that’s another story.