11. Markus Babbel
Origin: Germany Bought From: Bayern München Bought By: Gérard Houllier Apps: 73 Honours: League Cup 2001, FA Cup 2001, UEFA Cup 2001, FA Community Shield 2001, UEFA Super Cup 2001 Markus Babbel arrived at Liverpool as one of the most successful German players in Bundesliga history, after winning the championship 4 times with Bayern München and a UEFA Cup. He then went on to win 5 medals with Liverpool in an impressive, yet concentrated, stay on Merseyside.
Babbel was of course part of the side that catapulted Liverpool back onto the Champions League stage by finishing fourth in the league and that won the treble in the same season. In the year 2001, Babbel - along with others on this list - won the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup - scoring a very early headed opener for Liverpool during the game, the League Cup, the Charity Shield and the Super Cup within the space of 12 months. Unfortunately, for both the player and the general footballing family, Babbel was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome. A debilitating and paralysing illness that has affected many top level sports men and women. After making a solid comeback in the 2002/2003 season, Babbel managed to start four out of five in November/December but - after a really poor performance against Aston Villa in the League Cup - he was substituted during the first half by Houllier and took his shirt off in disgust as he walked towards the touchline. This was Markus' last game for Liverpool's first team in what was a foolish end to an otherwise great Liverpool career. Despite the sad end to Babbel's Liverpool career, I believe he still merits a place on this list because of his immense ability and USUALLY excellent discipline and commitment to the cause. Current Captain Steven Gerrard actually named him in his best Liverpool XI - only involving players he has played along side for the Reds. Personally, I think if it wasn't for his awful illness problems Babbel would have continued to represent Liverpool and Germany for many years to come.