Liverpool Football Club is known for its attacking flair and legendary forwards, but behind every great team stands a world-class goalkeeper. The Reds have had some of the finest shot-stoppers in world football, men who commanded the box, instilled confidence in defenders, and produced match-winning saves at the highest level. From early pioneers to modern-day heroes, the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History have left their legacy on Anfield.
Here Are The Top 10 Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History
10. David James (1992–1999)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 277 |
| Clean Sheets | 104 |
| Trophies Won | League Cup (1995) |
| Liverpool Span | 1992–1999 |
David James, nicknamed “Calamity James” by critics, endured a mixed but memorable career at Liverpool. Despite being prone to high-profile errors, James’ shot-stopping reflexes and commanding presence made him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History. He made 277 appearances and remarkably started 212 consecutive games for the Reds in the 1990s.
While some fans remember his mistakes, James kept 104 clean sheets and helped the club lift the 1995 League Cup. His athleticism, reach, and leadership kept Liverpool competitive during a transitional era.
James may not rank among the flawless icons, but his longevity and commitment earned him respect. For his era, his contributions still secure him a place among the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, even if his career is remembered with both admiration and frustration.
9. Arthur Riley (1925–1939)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 338 |
| Clean Sheets | N/A (not fully recorded) |
| Trophies Won | None |
| Liverpool Span | 1925–1939 |
Arthur Riley was one of Liverpool’s longest-serving goalkeepers, playing from 1925 to 1939. Known for his tall frame and long reach, Riley became a crucial figure during a challenging period for the Reds. Despite not winning any major silverware, his consistency and loyalty made him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Riley saved Liverpool from relegation on several occasions and racked up 338 appearances. Even without medals, his reliability between the posts gave the Reds stability during the interwar years. His professionalism and leadership qualities earned him admiration from both teammates and fans alike.
Riley’s contribution is sometimes overlooked due to the lack of trophies, but his importance in preserving Liverpool’s status remains unquestionable. That resilience and commitment secure his place as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, even without a trophy cabinet to show for it.
8. Jerzy Dudek (2001–2007)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 186 |
| Clean Sheets | 77 |
| Trophies Won | Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2006), League Cup (2003), UEFA Super Cup (2005) |
| Liverpool Span | 2001–2007 |
Jerzy Dudek may not have been flawless during his Liverpool career, but he etched his name in history during the “Miracle of Istanbul” in 2005. His penalty shootout heroics against AC Milan helped Liverpool lift their first Champions League in 21 years, instantly making him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Dudek also made stunning saves in normal time, including the iconic stop against Andriy Shevchenko. While he had some high-profile mistakes in the Premier League, Dudek’s clutch performances in Europe cemented his legacy. Over six seasons, he kept 77 clean sheets and played a key role in multiple cup triumphs.
His charisma, resilience, and historic night in Istanbul ensure that Dudek will forever be remembered as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, despite his inconsistencies in domestic campaigns.
7. Sam Hardy (1905–1912)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 240 |
| Clean Sheets | 63 |
| Trophies Won | First Division (1905–06) |
| Liverpool Span | 1905–1912 |
Sam Hardy was one of the earliest legends to stand between the posts for Liverpool. Signed in 1905, Hardy quickly earned a reputation as one of the finest keepers of his era, keeping 63 clean sheets in 240 appearances. His performances were instrumental in Liverpool’s First Division title win in 1905–06, making him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Hardy’s calmness under pressure and consistent displays made him a reliable figure in an evolving team. Although his name isn’t as widely remembered today, in the early 20th century he was a household figure and one of England’s top goalkeepers.
His clean sheet record and title-winning contributions highlight his value to the Reds. Hardy’s success and impact ensure his spot as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, and his name is preserved in the club’s early golden years.
6. Pepe Reina (2005–2014)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 394 |
| Clean Sheets | 177 |
| Trophies Won | FA Cup (2006), League Cup (2012), UEFA Super Cup (2005), Community Shield (2006) |
| Liverpool Span | 2005–2014 |
Pepe Reina arrived in 2005 and immediately became a fan favorite, winning the Premier League Golden Glove in his first three seasons. Known for his sharp reflexes, composure on the ball, and leadership, Reina was one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Reina’s sweeper-keeper style was ahead of its time, helping defenders build confidence and starting attacks from the back. He played a key role in Liverpool’s Champions League runs and cup victories under Rafa Benitez. With 177 clean sheets in 394 appearances, Reina’s numbers stand out among Liverpool legends.
Although his later years saw a dip in form, his peak years made him indispensable. The Spaniard’s contributions in both domestic and European competitions solidify his reputation as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, remembered as a modernizer of the role at Anfield.
5. Elisha Scott (1912–1915, 1919–1934)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 468 |
| Clean Sheets | N/A |
| Trophies Won | First Division (1921–22, 1922–23) |
| Liverpool Span | 1912–1934 |
Elisha Scott is a true Liverpool icon, playing an astonishing 468 matches across two decades. Known for his agility and fearless saves, Scott was pivotal in Liverpool’s back-to-back league titles in the early 1920s. Described as having “the eye of an eagle and the clutch of a vice,” he remains one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Fans adored Scott so much that in 1932 they protested to stop a potential transfer to Everton, showing his immense popularity. His charisma and consistency made him a hero of the Kop. With more appearances than almost any other keeper, his name is deeply etched in the club’s folklore.
His influence extended beyond clean sheets—he was a leader and symbol of stability for over a decade. These legendary feats guarantee Scott’s reputation as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, revered across generations.
4. Tommy Lawrence (1957–1971)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 390 |
| Clean Sheets | 133 |
| Trophies Won | First Division (1963–64, 1965–66), FA Cup (1965) |
| Liverpool Span | 1957–1971 |
Nicknamed “The Flying Pig,” Tommy Lawrence was a vital figure under Bill Shankly in the 1960s. With 390 appearances and 133 clean sheets, he played a key role in Liverpool’s rise to dominance. Lawrence helped the Reds win two league titles and the club’s first-ever FA Cup in 1965, making him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Despite being forgotten by some modern fans, Lawrence was indispensable in his era. His agility belied his stocky build, and his consistency ensured Liverpool’s transition into a powerhouse. He was beloved for his personality as much as his shot-stopping.
Lawrence embodied Shankly’s philosophy and was instrumental in creating the foundations of modern Liverpool success. His heroics secure his place as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, a man who turned hard work and loyalty into silverware for the club.
3. Bruce Grobbelaar (1981–1994)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 628 |
| Clean Sheets | 267 |
| Trophies Won | 6 League Titles, 3 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, 1 European Cup |
| Liverpool Span | 1981–1994 |
Bruce Grobbelaar was as eccentric as he was brilliant. Famous for his “spaghetti legs” in the 1984 European Cup final shootout, Grobbelaar was a key part of Liverpool’s dominance in the 1980s. His incredible reflexes, confidence, and commanding personality made him one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History.
Over 13 years, Grobbelaar won virtually every trophy possible, cementing himself as a true Anfield great. His 628 appearances and 267 clean sheets highlight his consistency. Beyond the statistics, Grobbelaar’s charisma and psychological edge often gave Liverpool an advantage in key games.
He thrived under legendary managers like Bob Paisley and Kenny Dalglish. Despite the occasional wild moment, Grobbelaar remains iconic. His blend of skill, showmanship, and success makes him undoubtedly one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, remembered with affection and admiration.
2. Alisson Becker (2018–Present)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 250+ (as of 2025) |
| Clean Sheets | 120+ |
| Trophies Won | Premier League (2020), Champions League (2019), FA Cup (2022), League Cup (2022), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019) |
| Liverpool Span | 2018–Present |
Alisson Becker is the definition of a modern goalkeeper. Signed for £67 million in 2018, he has repaid every penny by becoming one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History. His composure, distribution, and world-class shot-stopping have been crucial in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs.
Alisson’s presence has transformed Liverpool’s defense, giving confidence to players around him. His famous last-minute header against West Brom in 2021 also showcased his unique ability to create unforgettable moments. He has already kept over 120 clean sheets and continues to add to his legacy.
At 32, Alisson is still in his prime and has every chance of finishing as Liverpool’s greatest ever. His modern excellence and leadership firmly establish him as one of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, admired worldwide for redefining the role at Anfield.
1. Ray Clemence (1967–1981)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 665 |
| Clean Sheets | 323 |
| Trophies Won | 5 League Titles, 3 European Cups, 2 UEFA Cups, 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 5 Community Shields |
| Liverpool Span | 1967–1981 |
Ray Clemence is undoubtedly number one on the list of the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History. With 665 appearances and 323 clean sheets, he is one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. His consistency, agility, and leadership made him a cornerstone of Liverpool’s golden era under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
Clemence conceded only 16 league goals in the entire 1978/79 season, an almost unbreakable record. He was vital in Liverpool’s dominance at home and abroad, winning 13 major trophies including three European Cups. Even though he was unlucky to be overshadowed by Peter Shilton for England, Clemence’s legacy at club level is unmatched.
His influence and reliability put him head and shoulders above his peers. For sheer success and brilliance, Clemence is the ultimate choice among the Best Goalkeepers in Liverpool History, a legend whose name will forever be synonymous with greatness.
FAQs
Q1. Who is considered the greatest goalkeeper in Liverpool’s history?
Ray Clemence is widely regarded as the greatest goalkeeper in Liverpool’s history due to his 665 appearances, 323 clean sheets, and 13 major trophies.
Q2. Who is Liverpool’s best modern-era goalkeeper?
Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s best modern-era goalkeeper, playing a crucial role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
Q3. Which Liverpool goalkeeper had the longest career at the club?
Elisha Scott had one of the longest careers, playing for Liverpool across two decades with 468 appearances, making him one of the most loyal figures in the club’s history.
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