Before we begin, a quick note:
1. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané are officially right and left wingers, but due to their exceptional goal-scoring records, neither is included in this list. I’ll be including them in a separate list of Liverpool’s top strikers and goal scorers later on.
2. This list includes players who have operated on either flank — right or left.
3. It also covers those who played in a wide midfield role, not just traditional wingers.
4. This article highlights some of the most distinguished wingers and wide midfielders to have played for Liverpool FC between 2000 and 2025.
5. This list is based purely on personal perspective and analysis — feel free to share your thoughts.
Wingers (Left & Right)
A winger is a player who operates primarily on the flanks of the pitch, either on the right or left side — with the main responsibility of stretching the play, delivering crosses, and creating chances from wide areas. In modern football, wingers can also cut inside to shoot or link up with strikers, depending on their footedness and tactical role.
Wingers need to be:
Fast and agile
Good dribblers
Capable of crossing and link-up play
Willing to track back and support full-backs
In some tactical systems, wide midfielders perform similar roles but with more defensive responsibilities, often sitting deeper than advanced wingers.
Wide midfielder
A wide midfielder operates on the flanks like a winger but typically plays deeper and helps more in defence. Unlike attacking wingers, they focus on both creating chances and supporting their full-backs. A classic example is David Beckham — not known for pace, but for his accurate crossing, set-piece mastery, and tactical discipline as a right-sided midfielder.
1. Luis Díaz 
- Years: 2022 – present
- Honors: Premier League (2025), FA Cup (2022), EFL Cup (2024)
Signed from FC Porto in January 2022, Luis Díaz quickly became a fan favourite with his explosive pace, fearless dribbling, and high-energy style. Operating primarily on the left wing, Díaz added flair and unpredictability to Liverpool’s attack.
His ability to beat defenders one-on-one, cut inside for a shot, or stay wide to stretch play made him a nightmare for full-backs. Despite joining mid-season, he played a key role in Liverpool’s domestic cup double (FA Cup and Carabao Cup) in 2021–22.
2.Cody Gakpo 
- Years: 2023 – present
- Honors: Premier League (2025), EFL Cup (2024)
Signed from PSV in 2023, Cody Gakpo is a natural left winger with strong dribbling, link-up play, and composure in front of the goal. Occasionally deployed as a false nine under Klopp, he’s known for cutting inside and creating chances. Gakpo’s versatility and technical quality make him a valuable part of Liverpool’s team.
3. Dirk Kuyt 🇳🇱
- Appearances: 285
- Years: 2006 – 2012
- Goals: 71
- Assists: 40
- Honors: EFL Cup (2012)
Dirk Kuyt was the embodiment of loyalty, determination, and team spirit during his time at Liverpool. Though not the flashiest player, he quickly became a fan favourite thanks to his relentless work rate, energy, and diligent play style.
Originally a striker, Kuyt adapted brilliantly to roles on both the right and left wing, always putting the team first. He was Liverpool’s top scorer in the 2010–11 season and gave fans one of their favourite memories by scoring a hat-trick against Manchester United at Anfield — a moment still sung about today.
Though he didn’t win many major trophies with the club, Kuyt’s versatility, consistency, and heart earned him a legendary status at Anfield.
4. Danny Murphy 
- Appearances: 249
- Years: 1997 – 2004
- Goals: 44
- Assists: 40
- Honors: UEFA Cup (2001), FA Cup (2001), UEFA Super Cup (2001), EFL Cup (2003)
Danny Murphy played for Liverpool from 1997 to 2004, making over 240 appearances and contributing crucial goals from midfield. Often deployed as a right-sided midfielder, Murphy wasn’t the quickest, but made up for it with intelligent movement, precise passing, and a knack for scoring in big games — including memorable winners against Manchester United.
5. Luis García 
- Appearances: 122
- Years: 2004 – 2007
- Goals: 30
- Assists: 16
- Honors: Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2006), UEFA Super Cup (2005)
Signed by Rafa Benítez in 2004, Luis García brought flair, creativity, and unpredictability to Liverpool’s attack. Often playing as a wide midfielder or supporting winger, he was known for his quick feet, clever movement, and scoring crucial goals in big matches, most notably during the club’s run to the 2005 UEFA Champions League title. While inconsistent at times, his memorable strikes against Juventus and Chelsea in Europe earned him a place in Liverpool folklore.
6. Raheem Sterling
- Appearances: 129
- Years: 2012 – 2015
- Goals: 23
- Assists: 18
Raheem Sterling broke into Liverpool’s first team as a teen prodigy, dazzling fans with his explosive pace, quick feet, and fearless dribbling. Operating primarily as a right winger, he was a key part of the thrilling “SSS” forward line alongside Suárez and Sturridge during the 2013–14 title-challenging season.
Sterling’s style was all about directness, off-the-ball movement, and the ability to stretch defences with raw speed. Despite being one of the brightest young talents Liverpool had developed, his controversial departure to Manchester City in 2015 for €63.7 million made him one of the most divisive figures among Kopites.
While many fans felt betrayed, his transfer also made him a valuable cash cow that helped fund Liverpool’s future rebuild.
Legends Mention
Steve McManaman
- Appearances: 364
- Years: 1990 – 1999
- Goals: 66
- Assists: 86
- Honors: FA Cup (1992), EFL Cup (1995)
Most of Steve McManaman’s Liverpool career came in the 1990s, he remained at the club until 1999. A homegrown talent known for his elegant dribbling, creativity, and ability to glide past defenders, McManaman was a classic wide playmaker — operating from the flanks with the vision of a No. 10.
As a star player in the ’90s, Macca often carried the team during transitional years. His free transfer to Real Madrid in 1999 was controversial, but it marked the beginning of English players making an impact abroad.
John Barnes
- Appearances: 406
- Years: 1987 – 1997
- Goals: 106
- Assists: 92
- Honors: First Division (1988, 1990), FA Cup (1989, 1992), EFL Cup 1995
Though his prime came in the late ’80s and early ’90s, John Barnes remains one of the iconic wingers in Liverpool history. Known for his graceful dribbling, vision, and powerful left foot, Barnes was a game-changer on the left flank — a rare blend of technique and strength. Barnes is now an official Liverpool FC ambassador, continuing to represent the club alongside fellow legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, and Michael Owen.
Honourable Mention
Maxi Rodríguez 
- Appearances: 73
- Years: 2010 – 2012
- Goals: 17
- Assists: 6
- Honors: EFL Cup (2012)
Maxi Rodríguez joined Liverpool in 2010 from Atlético Madrid and quickly became a reliable presence on the right flank. Known for his intelligent positioning, neat touches, and clinical finishing, Maxi often popped up in the right place at the right time.
Afterword
As mentioned earlier, this winger list doesn’t include Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mané, as they’ll be featured in the striker and goal-scorer list instead.
While there are some standout names, the overall list of wide players isn’t as illustrious, partly because during much of this era, Liverpool was a relatively average English side, far from the dominant force we see today.
Date of Publication: 19 May 2025