Past playersEmlyn Hughes

The energetic Englishman possessed endless stamina, could play and excel in a variety of positions, was capable of unleashing rocket strikes at goal, and wore a beaming smile on his face – and the Kop loved him for it.

As Bill Shankly prepared to build a second great Anfield side, the Scot predicted Hughes would become the captain of England upon capturing the youngster's signature. "At 19 years of age we paid a good fee for him," he said.

"But if he'd have cost five times that he would have been worth it. It's debatable if there's a better player in the game. He's got everything; ability, guts, he's quick, good in the air – you name it, he has it."

Hughes alternated between midfield and defence during his fledgling years at Anfield and tasted trophy success for the first time in 1972-73, when Shankly's charges won the First Division and the UEFA Cup.

Two decisions were taken that summer that would change the course of history for Hughes and the club. He took up permanent residence at centre-back, where his powerful running could move Liverpool forward, and he was also handed the captain's armband.

He ascended the Wembley steps a year later to lift the 1974 FA Cup and collected another brace of trophies two seasons down the line – another league championship and UEFA Cup double had been secured. But history was still around the corner.

When the Reds downed Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1977 European Cup final, it was Hughes who hoisted the trophy with the big ears in Rome. Just for good measure, the defender repeated the trick in the following campaign, this time at Wembley.

Injury, coupled with the emergence of Alan Hansen, curtailed his playing time during the 1978-79 season but he nevertheless featured in 16 league fixtures as Bob Paisley's team conceded just 16 goals to claim top spot with ease.

Hughes racked up 665 appearances before departing Anfield, and those unforgettable images of 'Crazy Horse' collecting trophy after trophy have been etched into Liverpool folklore.