Dalglish or Gerrard

[Andy @ Allerton]

I've heard a few times recently from various people that they regard Gerrard as the best player ever for Liverpool FC. While Gerrard clearly is a major talent and a very good player - for me he (and no one else I've ever seen) has come close to Kenny Dalglish.

 

But what do we think?

Edited December 2, 2009 by Andy

[stressederic]

Too difficult to answer that for me. I've only seen Dalglish's performances looking back after the event which isn't the same as watching them unfold at the time. By the same token I've watched Gerrard evolve into a brilliant player over many years.

[Des]

My answer is probably Kenny actually, but I'm not voting as I don't want to bolster your fragile ego any more than it already has been.

[Flasher]

Based on the each players significance to the team/s they played in, I have gone for Gerrard. I think Liverpool could have coped more without Dalglish than it does currently when without Gerrard.

 

Based on technical ability, Dalglish had more skill and was wiser with his play, while Gerrard is more dynamic. To hard to call this one.

[Leo No.8]

I'd like to vote on this, but I don't feel I'm able to personally.

 

I've just turned 32, so my only really vivid memories of Kenny as a player were in his days as player manager.

 

I remember his style from then, and I've obviously watched a hell of a lot of him playing on recordings etc but I think this kind of question merits an answer only from those who have watched both week in week out.

 

For my part, I can only definitely say that Steven Gerrard is the best player I have ever seen during my adult life and time as a regular match going supporter. I don't feel I'm qualified to judge Kenny against him though.

 

Most of the older match going fans I know would say Kenny I think.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Leo No.8

[Jacks Jackie Jackson]

The poll is fatally flawed unless you ask how old the voters are. The younger voter will almost certainly vote Gerrard while the older voter will either plump for Dalglish or A N Other.

[Boca]

I was sat next to a guy from Norway at a hotel bar in Liverpool on the weekend of the Man City game. We were both over for the game so we were chatting about the club blah blah blah.

 

Asked him who his favourite player was and he says Gerrard. Ask him does he mean currently or all time? He says all time. I mention Dalglish and he looks at me with a blank look on his face. Thinking he didn't understand my accent I say "Dalglish, you know? King Kenny?" He didn't have a dickie bird about who I was talking about, not a clue.

 

This guy was mid twenties at least. I couldn't f***ing believe it.

 

Edit - he may have been Danish now that I think about it.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Boca

[johngibo YPC]

Can't vote as i've only seen Kenny play in testimonials. Seems abit hardh to judge him on that

For what its worth my dad reckons Souness was better than both of them

Edited December 2, 2009 by johngibo YPC

[stressederic]

For me the comparison would be between Barnes and Gerrard (as the two players I've watched more closely) and its a tough one. Probably Gerrard but I bloody loved Barnes.

[JRC]

As an older voter, it's pleasing that we have a candidate that makes it less of a no-brainer than at any previous time, but it's still an easy call. As brilliant, dynamic, athletic, inspirational and influential as Stevie is, and for all the things he can do better than Kenny, the King was nothing short of a total football genius, a visionary, a living God, one who operated on a different plane of footballing consciousness from mere mortal footballers. So he gets my vote, and I have a warm glow of satisfaction for the fact that I was born at the right time to watch him in a Red shirt throughout his prime.

 

My dad tells me he'd vote for Billy Liddell, mind.

[Andy @ Allerton]

  johngibo YPC said:

Can't vote as i've only seen Kenny play in testimonials. Seems abit hardh to judge him on that

For what its worth my dad reckons Souness was better than both of them

 

 

There is that. As someone said earlier - it depends on the generation. People I know that I talk to about the match years ago say that Billy Liddel was easily the best player ever to have played for Liverpool. Souness has to be in with a shout and the pairing of Hansen and Lawrenson also has to be considered. Not to mention the superman-like reports from Elisha Scott. Then you've got the likes of Jan Molby that could just effortlessly run a game.

 

But in this instance, given the quote 'better than Dalglish' of recent months, just thought it would be interesting to see what the general concensus is..

[john_lfc]

Gerrard

 

All round quality player, Shooting, Tackling, Passing/Vision, Pace

 

The amount of times he has got us out the s*** and won us games e.g. Fa Cup Final 06

 

Great captain, great leader

[Murphman]

Well I'm of the Kenny generation and reckon it's Gerrard. Kev wasn't far behind both of them, he's rarely mentioned but for three or four years he was as good as anybody in the world.

[Duggers]

Not really a fair comparison. Two entirely different players with differing assets. If you're judging them on success and impact on the teams they played in, then I'd go for Kenny.

 

Souness was the 'best' player we've ever had, imo.

[Des]

  Murphman said:

Well I'm of the Kenny Albert Stubbins generation

[matty]

Litmanen.

[smithdown]

"I'd walk a million miles for one of your goals...oh KENNY!"

 

He's still better now.

[Andy Mac]

I'm lucky enough to have seen them both play lots of games for us and in my opinion, there's no contest. Dalglish.

 

The main reason is consistency of performance and Kenny was relatively injury free thoughout his career. Kenny was a sublime player. Linking play, simple passes, kept the ball flowing and was always moving and giving others options. But he was capable of turning a game on it's head with one move or shimmy. He scored some incredible goals but he took his chances with great accuracy. The other thing he did was pass (or chip) the ball into the net.... and that beaming smile when he or another player scored.....we would, indeed, walk a million miles....

 

It pains me to say it, but I think another reason for choosing Kenny over Gerrard is that Kenny played in a very, very good side and this gave him the opportunity show his skills and play with great players. Apart from Torres and Carra (and they'd only be possibles) none of the other outfield players would even be considered for the late 70's and 80's teams.

 

 

Gerrard is a great but Kenny was a genius !

Edited December 2, 2009 by Andy Mac

[Duggers]

I think Emlyn Hughes was a better all round player than Stevie. The latter has been fortunate in that he's been surrounded by an awful lot of rubbish over the past 10 seasons. Still a great player though and I doubt there's been anyone else who has scored as many magnificent long range goals.

[dorgie]

Immediately after the West Ham cup final I nailed my colours to Gerrard's mast (not literally you'll understand) as being our greatest player. It's damn close between him and King Kenny though.

 

Also, i think Keegan deserves a mention, albeit his decision to leave soured things a little. Was my childhood hero and even looking at the Shankly years, some of the goals Keegan got were fantastic. For Gerrard's goal in Istanbul, read Keegan's goal v St. Etienne as far as getting a revival underway.

[Murphman]

  Andy Mac said:

Apart from Torres and Carra (and they'd only be possibles) none of the other outfield players would even be considered for the late 70's and 80's teams.

 

Reina was better than that thieving f*ckpig Grobbellar.

Torres a 'possible'? Nailed on mate, you telling us Aldo and Toshack were better than him?

[Rory Fitzgerald]

  Leo No.8 said:

I'd like to vote on this, but I don't feel I'm able to personally.

 

I've just turned 32, so my only really vivid memories of Kenny as a player were in his days as player manager.

 

I remember his style from then, and I've obviously watched a hell of a lot of him playing on recordings etc but I think this kind of question merits an answer only from those who have watched both week in week out.

 

For my part, I can only definitely say that Steven Gerrard is the best player I have ever seen during my adult life and time as a regular match going supporter. I don't feel I'm qualified to judge Kenny against him though.

 

Most of the older match going fans I know would say Kenny I think.

 

Same for me.

 

Gerrard is almost beyond words for me, he is massive. That Kenny fella must have been some player if he was a better player than Gerrard.

 

I think, in terms of all round play, Gerrard has probably been the most complete player in the Premier League era. Sure you have Henry and Ronaldo and Zola but Gerrard can cover the whole pitch and have a major impact whether it be tackling on the edge of his penalty area, tracking a winger back in the full back positions, sprinting through midfield, spraying passes or shooting from distance.

 

Maybe this is the same with Kenny in that he excelled in his position and is better than Gerrard there but Gerrard is monster that can play all over the park.

 

Anyway, too young, cant vote.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Rory Fitzgerald

[libero]

Kenny every time.

 

After Gerrard retires the jury may be out but until then the King rules.

[johngibo YPC]

  Duggers said:

I think Emlyn Hughes was a better all round player than Stevie. The latter has been fortunate in that he's been surrounded by an awful lot of rubbish over the past 10 seasons.

 

Bet he doesn't see it like that

[Des]

Barnes should get a mention on this thread.