When Liverpool bought Riise from Monaco in 2001, he was a relatively unknown 20-year-old left-back. During the next seven years, he would become one of the best full-backs to have represented the club. He endeared himself to the Reds faithful immediately, scoring vital goals against rivals Everton and Manchester United, the latter of which was a stunning free-kick at Anfield. He had great attacking quality, a thunderous left foot and underrated defensive ability. 14 goals in his first two seasons was an excellent return. He won the Champions League in 2005, and although he missed a penalty in the shootout against Milan in the final, he was a massively important player all season long, making 57 appearances in total that year. He scored in the FA Cup final shootout against West Ham a year later, as he added to his Anfield trophy collection. His form did die away a little during the end of his Liverpool career- his disastrous last-gasp own goal against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League semi-final first-leg was a low point- and he left to join Roma that summer. That dip in form is irrelevant though, and the supporters still sing his name now and again.
