NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.65: John Aldridge

• Years: 1987-1989

• Appearances: 104

• Goals: 63

• Trophies: First Division (1987-88), FA Cup (1989)

It is a testament to John Aldridge’s ability that he managed to emerge from Ian Rush’s shadow and forge his own legacy at Liverpool.

The Scouser was left with the unenviable task of filling the large void of goals caused by Rush’s departure in the summer of 1987.

Rather than shy away from it, Aldridge duly embraced that responsibility for his boyhood club, having completed a dream switch a few months earlier.

His exploits for Newport County and then Oxford United saw Kenny Dalglish earmark him as the future of the Reds’ attack.

And he wasted no time in rewarding that faith, scoring on his first start for the club – at Anfield against Southampton in February 1987.

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“I looked above the crossbar where the barrier was – I went to every home game – and my mates who I went with were still there and watching me score,” Aldridge recalled. “That was the moment that I knew I wasn’t dreaming.”

He went from strength to strength, and his 26 goals in the following campaign helped to fire Liverpool to the First Division title.

Aldridge earned his second major honour with the Reds in 1988-89, lifting the FA Cup after netting the opener in a 3-2 win over Everton in the final. His tally for that season was 31 in all competitions.

A brief-but-impactful Anfield career ended early into 1989-90 when Real Sociedad came calling and paid seven figures for his services.

‘Aldo’ did, however, sign off in the perfect way by converting a penalty in front of the Kop during his farewell appearance.

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