Past playersPatrik Berger

The classy, elegant midfielder, who was often used in a more advanced position, excelled on English shores even before a move to Anfield materialised – he helped his country reach the final of Euro 96.

Roy Evans was suitably impressed and swooped to conclude a deal with German outfit Borussia Dortmund for Berger's services. His impact would be both instant and thrilling.

In his second appearance for the club, Berger thrashed home two exquisite goals at Leicester City. "I've never seen a ball move so fast in my life. It's a good job I didn't get in the way of either shot or I'd have been back in the net with them," said Foxes 'keeper Kasey Keller.

Berger was by no means finished and he followed up that brace with another double, this time past Chelsea at Anfield. He ended the campaign, his first with the club, with an encouraging nine goals in 34 matches.

The man from Prague regularly rotated between a starting berth on the left-hand side and a more central occupation, but thrived in either position with his precise touch, finishing accuracy and creativity.

He haunted Chelsea again in 1997-98 by grabbing a superlative hat-trick and grew in stature and confidence following the arrival of Gerard Houllier as manager; Berger featured in 41 games during the Frenchman's maiden season at the helm.

Injuries limited the Czech's contribution during the glorious 2000-01 treble journey, although he was introduced as a substitute in both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup finals. His accurate, long-range delivery for Michael Owen's winning goal in the former will live long in the memory.

Always a player who could be relied upon when needed, Berger was restricted to the fringes of the Liverpool team in his last two years on Merseyside and made just four appearances in 2002-03. He joined Portsmouth after leaving the Reds.