Liverpool Football Club has had some of the finest midfielders in modern football. This article showcases some of the most distinguished attacking midfielders or playmakers to have represented Liverpool FC between 2000 and 2025.
Disclaimer: This list is based purely on personal perspective and analysis. While many great midfielders have played for Liverpool, I’ve selected those who, in my opinion, had the biggest impact on the club’s success in the 21st century. Feel free to share your thoughts😊
Date of Publication: 17 May 2025
Attacking Midfielders (AM) / Playmaker
An attacking midfielder, often referred to as a playmaker or number 10, is a player positioned between the central midfield and the forward line. Their primary role is to create goal-scoring opportunities through vision, precise passing, and technical skill.
Unlike deeper midfielders who control tempo and defend, attacking midfielders operate in advanced spaces, often just behind the striker(s), where they can exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence. They are typically:
Excellent at dribbling and ball control
Skilled in through balls and final passes
Comfortable with long-range shooting
Able to find pockets of space in tight areas
Some CAMs are more creative and orchestrative (e.g., Mesut Özil, David Silva), while others combine playmaking with direct goal threat (e.g., Philippe Coutinho, Kaká, Ronaldinho).
In modern football, they’re crucial for unlocking low blocks, breaking down compact defences, and providing the link between midfield and attack.
1. Philippe Coutinho 🇧🇷 Brazil
- Appearances: 201
- Years: 2013 – 2018
- Goals: 54
- Assists: 45
Nicknamed “The Little Magician,” Philippe Coutinho was Liverpool’s creative spark during his time at Anfield, dazzling fans with his dribbling, long-range screamers, and visionary passing. Signed under Brendan Rodgers in 2013 for just £8.5 million, he quickly became a fan favourite and one of the Premier League’s most exciting playmakers.
A classic No. 10, Coutinho’s strengths lie in his close control, forward creativity, and trademark curling shots from distance. He won the Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season award twice in a row, a testament to his popularity and consistent brilliance.
In 2018, his blockbuster £142 million move to Barcelona became Liverpool’s most lucrative sale. Though his departure was bittersweet, Coutinho’s impact — both on the pitch and financially — makes him one of the most influential midfielders of Liverpool’s 21st century.
2. Vladimír Šmicer 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
- Appearances: 184
- Years: 1999 – 2005
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 33
- Honors: Champions League (2005), UEFA Cup (2001), FA Cup (2001), League Cup (2001, 2003)
Though not a regular starter throughout his Anfield career, Šmicer’s name will forever be etched in Liverpool folklore for his crucial goal in the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final against AC Milan — a long-range strike that brought Liverpool to within one goal in their legendary comeback in Istanbul.
3. Xherdan Shaqiri 
Switzerland
- Appearances: 63
- Years: 2018 – 2021
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 9
- Honors: Premier League (2020), Champions League (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019)
A super sub and an “X-factor” player who could change games when brought on, Shaqiri played a crucial squad role in Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
His most memorable moment? A brace against Manchester United in 2018, which contributed to Jose Mourinho’s downfall at Old Trafford.
Despite limited minutes, his technical brilliance made him an important piece in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League and 2020 Premier League campaigns.
4. Patrik Berger 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
- Appearances: 195
- Years: 1996 – 2003
- Goals: 35
- Assists: 28
- Honors: UEFA Cup (2001), FA Cup (2001)
Patrik Berger, a talented Czech attacker who can play both attacking midfielder and winger. Known for his powerful left foot, long-range shooting, and flair in attack, Berger was a fan favourite in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Though injuries limited his consistency, his explosive style and eye for spectacular goals made him one of the most entertaining midfielders of his era at Anfield.
5. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 🇬🇧 England
- Appearances: 146
- Years: 2017 – 2023
- Goals: 18
- Assists: 14
- Honors: Premier League (2020), Champions League (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), FA Cup (2022), EFL Cup (2022)
A dynamic and explosive midfielder, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s best season came in 2017–18, when his performances helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final. His stunning goal against Man City in the UCL quarter-finals remains one of his finest moments.
6. Harvey Elliott 
England
- Years: 2019 – present
- Honors: Premier League (2025), EFL Cup (2022, 2024), UEFA Super Cup (2019), Fifa Club World Cup (2019)
Signed as a 16-year-old prodigy from Fulham, Elliott has developed into a key attacking option under Arne Slot. Still playing for Liverpool, his close control, vision, and work ethic make him an exciting prospect with potential to be a future Anfield star.
Honourable mention:
Harry Kewell
- Appearances: 139
- Years: 2003 – 2008
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 10
- Honors: Champions League (2005), FA Cup (2006)
Harry Kewell, an Australian footballer. Primarily a winger but also capable in an CAM and second striker role, Kewell was known for his flair, close control, and intelligent movement. Though his Liverpool career was hampered by injuries, he was part of the squad that won the 2005 UEFA Champions League, famously starting in the final against AC Milan.
Yossi Benayoun
- Appearances: 134
- Years: 2007 – 2010
- Goals: 29
- Assists: 18
Known for his creativity, flair, and intelligent movement, Benayoun was a versatile CAM capable of playing centrally or on the right wing. He had a knack for turning up in big moments, including a memorable hat-trick against Burnley and a dramatic late winner away at Fulham. Though not always a guaranteed starter, he was often decisive contributor during Rafa Benítez’s later years in charge.
Philippe Coutinho was one of the most creative and skilful playmakers Liverpool had seen in the last three decades — a master of dribbling flair, long-range strikes, and magical through balls.
At his peak, he was the spark that lit up Anfield. But many fans still wonder: what if he had stayed? Had Coutinho chosen to remain at Liverpool instead of moving to Barcelona, he might have become a club legend.
Some thoughts | Attacking Midfielders
There aren’t many specialists in the attacking midfielders role at Liverpool, as most midfielders and wingers have been versatile enough to fill that position when needed. As a result, the list of traditional attacking midfielders is relatively short.