Beardsley is one of the most naturally gifted, creative players Liverpool have had over the last 30 years, becoming a vital part of a Kenny Dalglish team often called the Reds' most entertaining ever. He produced brilliance alongside the likes of John Barnes, Ray Houghton and John Aldridge week in, week out, and was basically a far superior version of Benayoun. In the summer of 1991, new Liverpool boss Graeme Souness made the inexplicable decision to sell 30-year-old Beardsley to bitter local rivals Everton. He was still virtually at the peak of his powers, and many were utterly baffled by the news. In December 1992, the tricky forward scored a late winning goal in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, making Souness' ridiculous decision look even worse in the process. The former England international went on to shine for many more years, including an excellent spell at former club Newcastle, in tandem with the prolific Andy Cole. Souness might not have had such a shocking spell in charge at Anfield if he'd kept the brilliant Beardsley in his ranks.
