"YOUR TICKET, THEIR FUTURE" - The Preview

As this highly anticipated event quickly approaches, I take a closer look at Ian Rush's Liverpool Legends side ahead of Sunday's match at The Bernabéu. 

The Reds will take a squad of 19 to the Spanish capital. However, not all the former Reds are household names, especially among Real Madrid fans.

I'll briefly talk about what each player achieved during their time at Anfield not only in order to refresh Liverpool fans memories. However, to avoid them from just being "a name" on the matchday program to Real Madrid fan. I aim to give the players the full recognition they undoubtably deserve.

Sander Westerveld.

Age: 40

LFC appearances: 103
LFC Goals: 0
LFC Honours: (5) FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, European Super Cup 2001.

Although the Dutchman only played two seasons for Liverpool. One of those, however, was the 2001 treble winning season. Liverpool beat Spanish side Deportivo Alavés in an astonishing UEFA Cup final in Dortmund. Spanish fans will also remember Sander from enjoying successful stints at Real Sociedad and UD Almería.

Jerzy Dudek.

Age: 42

LFC appearances: 186
LFC Goals: 0
LFC Honours: (5) League Cup 2003, Champions League 2005, Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006.

RM appearances: 12

RM goals: 0

RM Honours: (2) La Liga 2008, Copa del Rey 2011. 

Jerzy is one of three of Rush's men who have played for both teams in question. Therefore, the Pole will be no stranger to Real Madrid fans as he formed a part of their 2008 title winning squad.

His two most memorable moments as a Red undoubtedly came in the European Cup Final in 2005. His double block against A.C Milan's Andriy Shevchenko in extra-time and ultimately saving the winning penalty, imitating Brucy's "spaghetti legs" which won Liverpool their fourth European Cup back in 1984, are moments which will live long in the memories of all Liverpool fans. Jerzy's  heroics certainly played a massive part in handing Liverpool their fifth European Cup 21 years later!

Jamie Carragher.

Age: 37

LFC appearances: 737
LFC Goals: 5
LFC Honours: (11) FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, European Super Cup 2001, League Cup 2003, Champions League 2005, Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006, League Cup 2012.

Bootle Boy Jamie Carragher has two European medals to his name & both won in two dramatic finals. Jamie also holds the record for the most appearances in European competitions for Liverpool with an incredible 150 games. Furthermore, Jamie is the second most capped player of all time to pull on the famous Red jersey, with 737 outings. "Carra" is a true Liverpool great & fans hope one day he will return to the club in some capacity.

Jason McAteer.

Age: 43

LFC appearances: 139
LFC Goals: 6
LFC Honours: Lived the dream.

What more could you want from being a footballer than to represent the club you were brought up supporting? Well, Jason McAteer lived that dream not just once, which would be enough for most fans, but 139 times!

A boyhood Red and an all round great lad who always takes time to talk to fans. I'm pleased Jason still gets the opportunity to get involved in such events with the Club.

Rob Jones.

Age: 43

LFC appearances: 243
LFC Goals: 0
LFC Honours: (2) FA Cup 1992, League Cup 1995.

Another boyhood Red & popular figure among all Liverpool supporters is Rob Jones who represented the club at right-back for 7 years during the 1990s. However, Jones was very unlucky with injuries and announced his retirement in the August of 1999, aged just 27. 

Bjørn Tore Kvarme.

Age: 42

LFC appearances: 54
LFC Goals: 0

Maybe less known to Madrid fans is Norwiguen, Bjørn Tore Kvarme. However, he could ring some bells as Bjørn played in La Liga for Real Sociedad the same time Sander Westerveld did, from 2001 to 2004.

Stephane Henchoz.

Age: 40

LFC appearances: 205
LFC Goals: 0

LFC Honours: (6) FA Cup 2001; League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, UEFA Super Cup 2001, Leauge Cup 2003.

Stephane was another key member of Liverpool's treble winning side of 2001. Especially, for his terrific performance in the FA Cup Final, clearing a Thierry Henry shot off the line in the first half. The Swiss formed an emphatic partnership with Sami Hyypia, providing Liverpool with a solid and reliable defense for several seasons.

Abel Xavier.

Age: 42

LFC appearances: 21
LFC Goals: 1

Signed from neighbours Everton, Abel may be known by Spanish fooball fans for playing in the late nineties for Real Oviedo. The former Portguesse international only enjoyed a brief spell at Anfield before being loaned out to Galatasaray in 2003.

Steve McManaman.

Age: 43

LFC appearances: 364
LFC Goals: 66

LFC Honours: (2) FA Cup 1992, Leauge Cup 1995.

RM appearances: 94

RM goals: 8

RM Honours: (8) European Cup 2000, La Liga 2001, Super Cup de España 2001, European Cup 2002, UEFA Super Cup 2002, Intercontinental Cup 2002, La Liga 2003, Super Copa de España 2003.

Steve McManaman is a rare breed of Footballer. He constantly lit up the Anfield crowd through his ability to dribble and skip past opposition players with ease. I feel privileged as a kid growing up and having the opportunity to watch such an exciting player. All the lads at school and in the parks always tried to emulate his skills. 

Steve could also finish as well as being the master of assists, notching up 66 goals for Liverpool. Including two where he started his run inside his own half against Celtic and Aston Villa.

Although "Macca" was at Liverpool for nine years, the majority of his success as a footballer came in the four years he spent at the Bernabéu. Steve won La Liga twice and the European Cup also on two occasions. Moreover, Steve scored the second goal for Real Madrid in the 2000 final against Valencia in Paris.

Steven is a true legend in the eyes of both sets of fans and is surely to get one of the biggest overations on Sunday.

Patrik Berger.

Age: 41

LFC appearances: 196
LFC Goals: 35

LFC Honours: (6)  FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, European Super Cup 2001. League Cup 2003.

"Paddy" Berger, was also a member of the Reds, 2001 multiple title winning side. His inch perfect phenomenal pass to give Michael Owen the winner in the FA cup final was undoubtedly his highlight. Berger himself scored some cracking goals, with memorable strikes against  Wimbledon, Leeds United, Manchester United and Tottenham coming to mind.

If Patrik stayed injury free, I feel he could have achieved a lot more at Liverpool. However, a great flare player with an eye for goal, "Paddy" will be remembered by Kopites for many years.

Salif Diao.

Age: 38

LFC appearances: 61
LFC Goals: 3

LFC Honours: (1)  Leauge Cup 2003

Salif joined Liverpool after impressing at the 2002 World Cup with Senegal. He was slightly unlucky when he first joined the Reds and he could argue that he was played out of position by Gérard Houllier. When Rafa arrived in 2004 he started to play Salif in his preferred position as a central midfielder.  However around this time, along came Xabi Alonso and the rest is history!

Steve Harkness.

Age: 43

LFC appearances: 139
LFC Goals: 3

Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness gave Steve his Liverpool debut after been at the club for two years. Steve was another player unlucky with injuries and broke his leg in a league game against Coventry City in 1996, which consequently sidelined Steve for a year.

Nonetheless, Steve was always a favourite among Liverpool fans due to his strong willed style of play. Despite this, Steve was unable to hold down a first-team regular place. Therefore he was reunited with Graeme Souness at Benfica in 1999.

Harrry Kewell.

Age: 36 

LFC appearances: 139

LFC Goals: 16

LFC Honours: (4) European Cup 2005, UEFA Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006.

Australian Harry Kewell is another member of the infamous 2005 side who conquered europe. Kewell started the final in Istanbul, however he failed to complete the game due to suffering a first half injury. When Harry was fully fit and top of his game he was an exciting asset to have in the team. A very technical gifted player who could make a goal as well as score one himself.

David Thompson.

Age: 37

LFC appearances: 56
LFC Goals: 5

"Thommo" made his way through the youth ranks and made his Liverpool debut in 1996, against Arsenal. A popular player among fans for his "never give up" attitude. David Thompson always gave that 10 percent extra, a little Terrier who never gave in. Local lads like "Thommo" who give their all for the club, are always respected by the Anfield Crowd. 

Luis Garcia.

Age: 36

LFC appearances: 121
LFC Goals: 30

LFC Honours: (4) European Cup 2005, UEFA Super Cup 2005, FA Cup 2006, Charity Shield 2006.

Luis Garcia is certainly a Liverpool Legend and scored many important goals for Liverpool. None more important was his "goal" against Chelsea in the 2005 Champions League Semi-Final which gave The Reds their ticket to Istanbul, Liverpool Football Club's first European Cup final in twenty years.

Luis Garcia is the only Spanish national representing the Liverpool Legends side. Therefore he is obviously well known to the Real Madrid fans. Not only for representing the national side 20 times,but also for representing rivals FC Barcelona and Athlético Madrid at Club level.

Luis is still a massive fan of Liverpool FC and is ever present at events like these, where he is able to get involved with the club again. Fans appreciate his affection for the club by singing his "Sangría" song (mainly in the away pubs) to acknowledge our friend from Barca.

Vladimir Smicer.

Age: 36

LFC appearances: 184
LFC Goals: 19

LFC Honours: (7) FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, Super Cup 2001, League Cup 2003, European Cup 2005.

Anyone who scores in a European Cup Final will remain in the memories of Liverpool fans for many generations to come. "Vlad" did this twice. Firstly, he scored Liverpool's second and gave the reds hope of finding an equaliser and secondly, he scored his penalty in the shoutout, in which would be his last game and goal for Liverpool. 

Smicer also played a key role in the treble winning season in 2001, starting two out of the three finals. A boyhood Red who achieved his dreams playing for Liverpool. A great inclusion to the Legends side.

Robbie Fowler.

Age: 40

LFC appearances: 369
LFC Goals: 183

LFC Honours: (6) League Cup 1995, FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, European Super Cup 2001.

Known as "God" by the majority of Liverpool fans, just sums up how this legend is regarded by the Anfield faithful. Robbie Fowler is the club's 6th all time Top Goal Scorer with 183 goals. An instinctive, natural finisher, whose work rate was phenomenal. Robbie, constantly wore his heart on his sleeve and always represented the club to the best of his ability.

Robbie Learnt his trade from no other than today's Manager Ian Rush, Liverpool's all time record goal scorer with an incredible 346 goals. Him and "Rushie" quickly formed "a father and son" like relationship at Liverpool's front line. 

Robbie left Liverpool in 2001 but his love affair with the club didn't end there. Real Madrid's current boss Rafa Benitez brought him back to Liverpool in 2006 for one more season.

I honestly, can't speak highly enough about Robbie Fowler. Still to this day he is very much involved with the Club. Robbie Fowler is a true Footballing Legend.

Michael Owen.

Age: 35

LFC appearances: 297
LFC Goals: 158

LFC Honours: (6) FA Cup 2001, League Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, Charity Shield 2001, European Super Cup 2001. League Cup 2003.

RM appearances: 36

RM goals: 13

Michael was Robbie's strike partner for several seasons, forming an excellent front two. Michael himself is currently ranked 8th in Liverpool's all time top scorers with 158 goals. 

Michael's pace, acceleration and dribbling skills tormented defenses for many years and when Robbie Fowler left, he became Liverpool's main source of goals.

Some say Owen single handedly won the FA Cup for Liverpool in 2001, scoring both Liverpool's goals on the day to hand the Cup to the Reds.

In 2004 Michael moved to The Bernabéu, as he thought he was unable to achieve all of his ambitions as a footballer at Liverpool. Owen was popular among the Madrid Fans and they would argue that he should have been given more opportunities, as they knew about his capabilities from his time at Liverpool. Unfortunately, this didn't improve and Michael moved back to the Premier Leauge and joined Newcastle Untied a year later.

Craig Bellamy.

Age: 35

LFC appearances: 79
LFC Goals: 18

LFC Honours: (1) League Cup 2012.

"Bellas" played two seasons for Liverpool, however, four years' apart. A colourful character on and off the pitch. Craig always fought for the cause and wore the Liverpool shirt with pride, always playing for the badge. Craig left Liverpool for the second and final time in 2012 when current manager Brendan Rodgers joined Liverpool.

Ian Rush (Manager)

Age: 53

LFC appearances: 660
LFC Goals: 346

LFC Honours: (17) League Winners 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1989/90, FA Cup 1986, 1989, 1992, League Cup 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, European Cup 1984, Charity Shield, 1982, 1986, 1990.

Ian Rush is the ultimate Liverpool Legend. All time top goal scorer in the history of Liverpool Football Club with an incredible 366 goals in 660 games. An obvious choice to manage the Legend's team. Currently, an Ambassador for Liverpool Football Club. Ian is undoubtedly one of the clubs most highly regarded individuals of all time, on and off the pitch.

The average age of this Liverpool team of Legends is just over 39. However, most of the lads seem to have kept themselves in decent shape and would have prepared well for the event. Nonetheless, with high temperatures expected in Madrid on Sunday afternoon, there are going to be a lot of tired legs out there.

It's a rare but fantastic opportunity to see former players get together from various past Liverpool teams in order to raise money for Charities. Not only for the fans but also for the players themselves. During their professional careers many would have missed out on playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, one of world football's iconic stadiums.

Madrid yesterday also confirmed their squad including one of Football's all time greats, Zinedine Zidane, Brazilian Legend Roberto Carlos and Ex-Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes. 

Without a doubt, Liverpool FC and Real Madrid are two of Europe's giants. With 15 European Cups and a staggering 50 league titles between them. These legendary teams are garanteed to put on a great showpiece this Sunday.

The event "YOUR TICKET, THEIR FUTURE" organised by "Fundación Real Madrid" is televised in both the UK and Spain. LFC.TV are covering the game for the Liverpool fans, whereas the Spanish channel "La Sexta" will be also transmitting the game live from the Bernabéu.

Tickets are still available at www.entradas.com from 5 to 15 Euros.

As always, I'm very appreciative of any of your views in the comments box on Twitter.

Thanks for Reading.

@anfieldeurope