Liverpool: 10 Highly-Rated Talents Who Threw It All Away

10. Steve McManaman

Having broken into the Reds first XI in 1990 aged just 18, the former winger had the world at his feet when he was at Liverpool. He became an instant hit on Merseyside and was a breath of fresh air for an underwhelming, declining side who had been European giants just five years ago. The academy graduate was one of the most gifted players to play for the Reds: he had pace and skill that would dazzle defenders and was awarded many-a man of the match award along with perpetually being compared to Manchester United's Ryan Giggs. However, after nine years of being one of Liverpool's best players, Real Madrid came in looking to sign the boyhood Everton fan, and with a big transfer fee and a lucrative contract agreed, McManaman hopped on an plane to the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite winning two La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues, the winger was not as much as a key player as he had hoped as he had the likes of Guti, Luis Figo and Santiago Solari ahead of him in the pecking order a lot of the time. Even if he was classed as a cult hero, the grass really wasn't that much greener for the Scouser in Spain. Eventually, McManaman moved back to England and joined an average Manchester City side where he ended his career. His success is highlighted through his career assists - 182 overall with 142 of them coming for Liverpool. Clearly, the move away from Anfield saw him throwing away his days when he was in his peak.