Liverpool’s Number Nine Shirt: A Look at the Reds Who Have Worn It in the Premier League
Liverpool’s number nine shirt is iconic, having been worn by some of the greatest players in the club’s history. From Kenny Dalglish and Robbie Fowler to Ian Rush and Fernando Torres, the number nine shirt has been a symbol of excellence at Anfield. This season, Darwin Nunez has taken up the mantle, swapping his No. 27 for the famous No. 9.
But who else has worn the number nine shirt for Liverpool in the Premier League? In this article, we’ll take a look at all 11 players who have donned the famous number since the league’s inception in 1992.
Robbie Fowler: The Original ‘God’
Robbie Fowler was the first player to wear the No. 9 shirt for Liverpool in the Premier League. Signed from Liverpool’s arch-rivals, Everton, in 1993, Fowler quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in England. Nicknamed ‘God’ by the Anfield faithful, Fowler scored an incredible 120 goals in 236 appearances for the Reds and won two League Cups during his time at the club.
Fowler was followed by…
Michael Owen: The Boy Wonder
Michael Owen was signed from Chester City in 1996 and immediately made an impact at Anfield. He scored on his debut against Wimbledon and went on to become one of Liverpool’s most prolific goalscorers. In his first full season at the club, Owen scored 18 goals in all competitions and won the Premier League Golden Boot. He went on to score 118 goals in 216 appearances for Liverpool and won a host of individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or in 2001.
Emile Heskey: The Unsung Hero
Emile Heskey was signed from Leicester City in 2000 and quickly established himself as an integral part of Gerard Houllier’s side. Despite not being as prolific as Owen or Fowler, Heskey was a key figure in Liverpool’s treble-winning season of 2001 and was a regular starter for the Reds until 2004. He scored 60 goals in 223 appearances for Liverpool and won two League Cups and an FA Cup during his time at Anfield.
Fernando Torres: The Spanish Sensation
Fernando Torres was signed from Atletico Madrid in 2007 and quickly became one of the most feared strikers in Europe. He scored 81 goals in 142 appearances for Liverpool and won a host of individual awards, including the Premier League Player of the Year in 2008. Torres was also part of Liverpool’s Champions League-winning side of 2005 and is still fondly remembered by the Anfield faithful.
Andy Carroll: The Unfulfilled Potential
Andy Carroll was signed from Newcastle United in 2011 for a then-record fee of £35 million. Despite his hefty price tag, Carroll failed to live up to expectations at Anfield and left the club after just two seasons. He scored 11 goals in 58 appearances for Liverpool and won an FA Cup during his time at the club.
Fabio Borini: The Forgotten Man
Fabio Borini was signed from Roma in 2012 and was expected to be a key figure in Brendan Rodgers’ side. However, he failed to make an impact at Anfield and left the club after just two seasons. He scored 10 goals in 38 appearances for Liverpool and won a League Cup during his time at the club.
Mario Balotelli: The Enigma
Mario Balotelli was signed from AC Milan in 2014 and quickly became one of the most talked-about players in England. Despite his off-field antics, Balotelli still managed to score four goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool before leaving the club after just one season.
Christian Benteke: The Big Money Flop
Christian Benteke was signed from Aston Villa in 2015 for a then-club record fee of £32 million. Despite his hefty price tag, Benteke failed to live up to expectations at Anfield and left the club after just one season. He scored nine goals in 42 appearances for Liverpool and won an FA Cup during his time at the club.
Daniel Sturridge: The Injury Prone Striker
Daniel Sturridge was signed from Chelsea in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in England. He scored 67 goals in 160 appearances for Liverpool and won a host of individual awards, including the Premier League Player of the Month award on three occasions. However, Sturridge’s career at Anfield was blighted by injuries, which ultimately led to his departure from the club in 2019.
Divock Origi: The Cult Hero
Divock Origi was signed from Lille in 2014 and quickly