Past playersTommy Smith

The rugged, powerful centre-half was equipped with a crunching tackle to match any of his peers, but the Scouser could play too. Comfortable in a full-back position, Smith was capable of delicate passes and precise finishes – attested to by his 48 strikes for the Reds.

He made his debut in May 1963 but only became a fixture under Bill Shankly – perhaps Smith's biggest supporter – during the 1964-65 campaign. The season ended with the defender in the side as Liverpool scooped the FA Cup for the first time at Wembley.

It was a place he would keep for the next decade, beginning with an ever-present league season as the Reds claimed championship honours in 1965-66. Indeed, in three years out of four during the mid-1960s, Smith featured in every single First Division fixture.

His growing influence at Anfield, not to mention the reputation he held throughout the rest of the country, was recognised with the captain's armband in 1970 – a role the Englishman would fulfil for three years.

Smith was the man to collect the trophy when the club tasted success in European competition for the first time, downing Borussia Monchengladbach over two legs in the 1973 UEFA Cup final. The German outfit were destined to be a lucky team for the defender.

By the end of 1977, Smith's medal collection had expanded out of all proportion; three more league titles, a second FA Cup triumph and another UEFA Cup for good measure. His greatest moment was still to come, however.

Having originally lost his place in Bob Paisley's team, injuries gave Smith the opportunity to play in the 1977 European Cup final. He gladly grasped the chance by converting a thunderous header in the 3-1 victory over, guess who, Gladbach, in Rome.

Smith contributed to the Reds' defence of their continental trophy during the following season but his spell at Anfield was drawing to a close and with more than 600 senior appearances he departed in August 1978.