3 Legends arm in arm.

Loyalty and Respect Something I feel has been lost in translation somewhere along the line, perhaps when all the millions were poured into football. In this article I want to relate these two subjects to Liverpool Football Club through recent times. I feel some players need singling out for good and for bad reasons. Since around the era of 2008-09 after we finished 2^nd in the league I feel Loyalty and Respect have come into play more than ever. Players have had to rough through the bad times at the football club. Say what you like about how much they get paid, nobody likes losing a football match. I respect these players a lot, some of them world class talents that could have moved on, won things. No, they stayed and stuck by the club. Liverpool began declining after finishing 2^nd with the next campaign ending in a disappointing league position of 7^th and the departure of Rafael Benitez. Liverpool Football Club needed its biggest characters to stand up and be counted. This was intensified with big names such as Xabi Alonso, Hyypia and Arbeloa leaving the club. Between that season and now certain players have had chances to leave and move on to bigger things. Because of this I believe we should always show massive respect to players like Pepe Reina, Glen Johnson, Daniel Agger, Lucas Leiva, Dirk Kuyt and of course, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard for sticking with Liverpool FC  and a few modern day players could learn a thing or two. Pepe Reina is one of the best keepers in the world. He’s devoted his career to Liverpool Football Club and hasn’t had much to show for it. I hope we repay him soon as he is in my eyes a Legend of the club and one of the best keepers we have ever had. He’s broken numerous records and now has Liverpool born children.  I just hope, if he leaves he does not get the stick other players have received because, quite frankly he doesn’t deserve it. You’ll never walk alone Pepe Reina. Glen Johnson: Roy Hodgson and Glen didn’t seem to get on very well for obvious reasons; Glen was an attacking player. I feared this spelled the end for Glen but thankfully not. Glen Johnson has recently signed a new contract and I hope he stays loyal to Liverpool.

First things first, Daniel Agger is the best centre back Liverpool FC own.  He’s had opportunities to leave and hasn’t taken them. Daniel has since expressed his desire to stay at the club. Steven Gerrard; how can I even begin to describe the loyalty that this man has for Liverpool FC. I can’t, its as simple as that. He’s devoted his life to Liverpool. He is the definition of Loyalty. Everyone coming through the ranks should look up to players like him and Jamie Carragher.

It is an understatement to say Gerrard could have won things; he could have won everything the game has to offer. He and Carragher have signed to take on roles at the club upon retirement. Two truly remarkable players for lots of reasons. Others however, are not loyal and left Liverpool as soon as things were not going their way. I believe you should all know who I’m talking about. Fernando Torres. I loved Torres I’m not afraid to say it, why should I be? He offered everything up front. He’s just not cut from the same cloth as true greats such as Gerrard and Carragher. In 20 years time their names will be heard around Anfield and Fernando Torres’ will not, and that’s how it should be.

Traitor

I feel I need to talk about legends who are faithful, well three of them. Iker Casillas, Andreas Pirlo and Paolo Maldini. All three of them Loyal and I’m sure all three are respectful, but especially Spanish International and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas. He showed a remarkable act of respect asking a referee to end the game early out of respect for the opponent as the score was 4-0. You can watch this below.

What a man.

Liverpool has always had players willing to show loyalty, players such as Sami Hyypia, Steve Finnan, Dirk Kuyt, who has now left the club after many years of service, and he too had chances to leave earlier on but he didn’t. In my eyes Dirk Kuyt is a Liverpool Legend. I just feel those who have stuck by us in hard times deserved a piece of thanks.

Legend.