Liverpool's Outstanding Defensive Playmaker

Alan Hansen is widely recognised as being one of the greatest players to play for Liverpool. A defender of imperious quality who looked as comfortable on the ball as a seasoned midfielder. Were it not for Hansen’s ability and reading of the game Liverpool would not have been so trophy prolific. Liverpool’s outstanding defensive playmaker was the starting point for everything good about the Merseyside giants at the time.

Raised in a sporting family Hansen decided to follow in his brother John’s footsteps and become a professional footballer. John was a member of Patrick Thistle in the Scottish Second Division at the time. In 1973 Hansen broke into the first team. It was plain to see he was destined for bigger things and his form attracted a host of scouts to every game.

Liverpool Come Calling

By the end of the 1975/76 season, the big clubs in England were, without doubt, readying offers. During that season, Hansen helped guide Partick to a Scottish First Division Championship. Hansen had played 35 games to help push Patrick into the Scottish Premier Division.

Initially, the first club to show an interest and lodge an offer were manager Bob Paisley and Liverpool in 1977. Hansen moved to the Merseyside giants for a meagre £110,000. The step up from Scottish Premier to First Division football didn’t appear to faze the young Scot. In his first game against Derby County Liverpool won 1-0. The first of countless clean sheets he would earn over his 14-year career with Liverpool.

European Cup Success

A month later Hansen hit his first goal for Liverpool on 19 October. Scoring during a European Cup 2nd round 1st leg tie at Anfield. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute as the Reds demolished East German side Dynamo Dresden 5–1. Hansen continued to play a bit-part/ squad-rotation role for the season. He did, however, win a European Cup winners medal when Liverpool beat Bruges 1-0 at Wembley. The winner courtesy of a goal from fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish.

All told Hansen managed 18 appearances in the First Division that season, where Liverpool finished runners-up to Nottingham Forest.

The Most Miserly Defence in English History

During the close season of 1978 Hansen’s reputation grew. He was now becoming an integral part of the team and not just a squad member. His career and the all-around game came together in 1978. Liverpool won the First Division comfortably conceding just 16 goals in 42 League games, a new record. At Anfield, they conceded just 4 goals all season in the league. Hansen had helped make Anfield a fortress.

The following season Hansen was once more instrumental in maintaining Liverpool’s record-breaking defensive unit. Conceding only 30 goals and going on to win the League a record 12th time. Alan Hansen and Phil Thompson made a near-unbeatable duo in central defence.

It was due to their partnership, that Liverpool owed much of its defensive glory.

Scotland Come Calling

Unsurprisingly, Hansen’s good form and defensive leadership alerted Scotland’s boss Jock Stein. Hansen made his full debut for Scotland on 19 May 1979. Playing in a Home International match against Wales in front of 20,000 spectators at Ninian Park. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a debut to remember though with Wales winning 3-0. All 3 goals coming from John Toshack.

However, just 3 weeks later Hansen made his second appearance for Scotland. This time World Champions Argentina were the opponent. On the hottest day in Glasgow for 30 years, Argentina ran out 3-1 winners in front of 60,000 fans. A certain 18-year-old Diego Maradona scored his first international goal in the process.

“without a shadow of a doubt the best player I came up against. He was virtually unplayable – even at 18”

Alan Hansen on diego maradona

Liverpool’s Outstanding Defensive Playmaker

Trophies continued to flow for Hansen and Liverpool during the ’80s. A first League Cup success came in 1981 courtesy of Hansen’s winner in a replay against West Ham. Then, later that year Liverpool took home the European Cup after beating Real Madrid 1-0. The league title returned to Anfield in the 1981–82 season. Furthermore, Liverpool also retained the League Cup in 1982 with a 3–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Hansen was picked by Scotland in the 1982 World Cup in Spain. However, an accidental collision with Willie Miller in the game against Russia which they drew scuppered any progression. They were knocked out at the group phase. On the whole, his international career was poor for a player of such high quality. Earning only 26 caps in his career.

The Curtain Comes Down

Despite being troubled by knee injuries he led Liverpool to another title triumph in 1989/90. This was to be Hansen’s eighth and final League title, which at the time was a record-breaking figure. Alan continued to fight his injury but finally had to concede, retiring from a glorious career as Liverpool captain in 1991.

Hansen had carved out his niche at Liverpool as a hard-nosed yet fluid football player. A player who could be depended on to win the ball back from attackers and pass it on accurately. He had fantastic awareness of positioning.

How Big is Hansen’s Mantlepiece?

Hansen made 620 appearances for Liverpool scoring 16 times. He won 8 League titles, 2 FA Cups, 4 League Cups, 1 Super Cup, 6 Charity Shields. Along with, 3 European Cups and 1 UEFA Super Cup during his time with the Reds.

He also won 26 caps for Scotland.

Alan Hansen was a player who oozed poise and quality in everything he did. Comfortable on the ball and a Rolls-Royce defender.

He was Liverpool’s outstanding defensive playmaker.