# Who is the best defender in Liverpool FC history?

> From commanding centre-backs who marshalled the famous defensive units to marauding full-backs who terrorised opponents down the flanks, this ranking covers the full defensive spectrum of Liverpool's greatest eras.

*By YPB Team · Published May 28, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-defender-in-liverpool-fc-history*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Jamie Carragher**
   Passionate Scouser and one-club man who spent 17 years as Liverpool's defensive backbone, famous for his last-ditch tackles and vocal leadership.
2. **Alan Hansen**
   Elegant Scottish centre-back and three-time European Cup winner with Liverpool, widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in British football history.
3. **Virgil van Dijk**
   Commanding Dutch centre-back whose arrival transformed Liverpool's defence and helped the club win the Champions League and Premier League.
4. **Phil Neal**
   Remarkably consistent right-back who made 650 appearances for Liverpool and won four European Cups and eight league titles.
5. **Sami Hyypiä**
   Dependable Finnish captain who provided calm and assured defending for Liverpool over nine seasons from 1999 to 2009.
6. **Ron Yeats**
   Imposing Scottish centre-back who was Liverpool's first major signing under Bill Shankly and captained the club to their first top-flight title in 17 years.
7. **Alan Kennedy**
   Marauding left-back who scored the winning goals in two European Cup finals for Liverpool in 1981 and 1984.
8. **Emlyn Hughes**
   Versatile and energetic defender-midfielder who captained Liverpool to European Cup glory in 1977 and 1978.
9. **Steve Nicol**
   Versatile and underrated Scottish full-back who was a cornerstone of Liverpool's defence through the 1980s and early 1990s.
10. **Trent Alexander-Arnold**
   Local-born attacking right-back who revolutionised the position with his creative passing and crossing for Liverpool.
11. **Andrew Robertson**
   Energetic Scottish left-back whose relentless overlapping runs and assists became a hallmark of Klopp's Liverpool.

Tags: football, players, legends, premier league, england, liverpool, defenders