10 Biggest Dodged Bullets In Liverpool Transfer History

7. Phil Jones

It may sound ridiculous when you look at what a laughing stock Phil Jones currently is, but at the start of the decade he was one of the most highly-rated young players not only in England, but in Europe. He was still a teenager at the time, and the dominant defensive performances he was producing week in, week out for Blackburn Rovers belied his tender years. Reds boss at the time Kenny Dalglish showed a keen interest in bringing Jones to Liverpool, seeing him as the perfect long-term replacement for the ageing Jamie Carragher and perhaps even a future captain. Unfortunately, champions at the time Manchester United were also very interested, and the youngster's head was turned by a move to Old Trafford. He was snapped up for around £16.5m in June 2011, with Sir Alex Ferguson claiming in 2013 that 'he will be one of the best players we (United) have ever had.' As it happens, Jones' United career has been terrible thus far. Injuries have hampered him, he has failed to nail down a regular spot in the centre of defence and he has begun to looked worse and worse as United's empire has crumbled. Although it's worth stressing that Jones is still only 22 and may still come good, there is a definitely feeling at Liverpool that failing to land him three summers ago was a blessing in disguise.