6. Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson’s career best represents the trajectory of Liverpool in this decade. Henderson at the beginning is his Reds’ career fell short of expectations. During his early years Henderson found it difficult to settle into the Liverpool squad and he received numerous criticism for his below par performances.
In 2012 the club almost let him depart to Fulham, but Henderson opted to stay. And it proved to be the correct decision. Henderson fought for his place, he trained hard at Melwood and he bulked up in the gym in order to be able to compete at the highest level for the Reds.
Things started picking up for Henderson, he started to chip in with some outstanding goals including strikes against Manchester City and Chelsea and after Steven Gerrard departed the club, Henderson was named the Reds’ club captain – a role which he has fulfilled to a high standard.
The icing on the cake for Henderson came at the end of the decade and lifting the Champions League title as the Liverpool captain against Spurs. With over 300 games for the club Henderson has established himself as a potential legend in Liverpool’s lore.
7. Daniel Sturridge
Many eyebrows were raised when Liverpool signed Sturridge from Chelsea in 2013. Back then he predominantly played on the wing for the Blues and he had been out of favour at the London club and not on any good particular form.
The Reds needed attacking reinforcements to help provide cover for Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge proved out to be the perfect solution. During his first half season at the club Sturridge went on an incredible run scoring goals for fun. All together he netted 11 times in 16 appearances and quickly solved Brendan Rodgers’ striking troubles. The next season Sturridge formed a stupendous duo with Luis Suarez on Liverpool’s run to a 2nd place finish in the Premier League, Sturridge scored 24 goals all together that season and established himself as one of the best finishers in the league.
Injury troubles prevented him from truly fulfilling his full potential at the club but Sturridge still played a key part for the Reds throughout the years chipping in with some important goals including one in the Europa League final against Sevilla and scoring against PSG during a 3-2 victory for the Reds at Anfield in the Champions League.
He left the club as a Champions League winner and with 67 goals under his belt.