8. John Arne Riise
Peter Byrne/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesThe most-capped player for the Norwegian national team, the Scandinavian dynamo, yet another left back: John Arne Riise was an essential part of Liverpool's starting eleven. Well, eventually. Having cut his teeth for local side Aalesund and then Monaco for a few seasons he wound up in Anfield for £4 million in 2001, and started strong with goals against Arsenal, Everton, Newcastle, and Man United. In the 200203 and 200304 seasons, however, he performed way below par and failed to meet the expectations set by his barnstorming debut. Still, once Rafa took control of the team he soon regained his form, playing as part of the Champion's League winning squad that we all say our daily thanks to. On a high, Riise announced his intention to stay with Liverpool until the end of his footballing career, before totally messing up again and failing to live up to his early promise. He came to blows with teammates Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher during the 2006 season when they were pessimistic about Liverpool's chances of winning the league, partially due to mistakes made by Riise. Eventually he found himself dropped to the bench, often in favour of Aurélio, and eventually decided he'd had enough of playing second fiddle. In 2008 he landed himself a two-year deal with Roma, followed by three unspectacular years at Fulham. He was booted from Craven Cottage this May and remains without a club; it's not hard to argue that perhaps Riise's best days are behind him, and they were at Merseyside.