Introduction
When it comes to legends and all time great players, Liverpool football fans put Ian Rush on the top of their list. He is considered to be one of the most prolific strikers of all time, with a record that speaks for itself: 346 goals in 660 appearances
The best Liverpool football was played in the '80s, a period that the Reds dominated the internal competition and even the ones in Europe. His great striker instincts were instrumental in the success of the club that time. His reputation in Europe was huge, feared by most opponents and loved by all of Anfield.
Although it may seem hard to believe, Rush had a hesitant start in the red shirt. His signing from Chester in 1980, for about £300,000, was a British record transfer for a teenager. Manager at that time, Bob Paisley, did not use him that often. Because of that, the Welshman even requested a transfer. A transfer to Crystal Palace was discussed, although it is said that Paisley never had the intention of letting the player go. Rush wasn’t getting much time because of his young age, but Paisley knew his day would come.
History
When he started playing with the team, Liverpool football fans were not to impressed with the tall and thin teenager, but his looks were deceiving.
His breakthrough season was 1981 – 1982, when Paisley was rebuilding the team. He scored 30 goals in 49 appearances that helped the team win 2 trophies. His teammates often called him “the first line of defense;” he was not only just a goalscorer, but a hard working, selfless player with “never give up” attitude.
He was very hard to match up with, with his electric pace and great anticipation. Together with Kenny Dalglish, they formed one of the best striking duos ever.
Features
His best season was 1983 – 1984, when he scored 47 goals, through the delight of Liverpool football fans, and so became the first British player to win the Golden Boot Award. This was the perfect ending for a great season for him and his team, after they manager to pull the first ever treble.
His strongest part of his game was running on to perfectly thread through balls and of course, his accurate finishing. His goals were of a high variety, from close range tap-ins, to volleys, drives and headers.
Tips and Comments
In 1986, after winning the clubs fist ever domestic double, scoring two goals in the Cup final, his time with the Reds came to an end, as he signed with Italian club Juventus. After spending only one year in Turin, he wanted to return to his home country; that was a great opportunity for Liverpool to bring back their hero.
Rush picked up right where he left off, scoring goals and beating nearly every record he hasn’t manage to beat yet. The most important one probably, is becoming the team’s all time leading scorer, in October 1992. This is one of the main reasons he still remains a hero to Liverpool football fans.
