From struggling to break into the top 4 to being touted as one of the best ever teams in the Premier League era, Liverpool have certainly made an astonishing journey in the last five years.
They have now won 101 points from their last 38 league games, have not lost a single two-legged European tie in the last three years and only seem to be getting stronger.
Jürgen Klopp deserves a lot of plaudits for this turnaround but the recruitment at the club in these years cannot be overlooked.
From scouting to negotiating, the Reds have been impeccable in the transfer market in the last five years. They have spent big money on players that have rarely disappointed but there were a few players who arrived at the club on a free transfer and have helped in this revolution.
Here are three of the best free transfers that Liverpool have made in recent times:
#3 Adrian
The former West Ham United shot-stopper has certainly become a fan favourite in just over two months at the club. He only joined the club after Alisson Becker picked up an injury on the opening day and has not failed to take his chances.
Adrian made the crucial save that won Liverpool their first trophy of the season, in Istanbul and has since made some astounding reflex-saves that have seen his side maintain a 100% record in the domestic league.
He does have an ‘error leading to goal’ beside his name but that did not cost the Reds any points in the league.
With Alisson set to return back to action after the international break, Adrian could be restricted to the cup competitions, but the experience he has added to the side, in a desperate time for Liverpool, makes him one of the best free transfers the club has signed in recent times.
#2 Joel Matip
The Premier League Player Of The Month for September, Matip joined the Reds on a free transfer from Schalke as one of the first signings by Klopp at Liverpool. He did have a few nervous games, but in the last couple of seasons, he has easily been the second-best defender for the club.
Matip has five goals and an assist in 107 appearances in all competitions and has put in memorable performances against the strikers like Robert Lewandowski, Jamie Vardy and Sergio Aguero.
At 28, he is only entering his prime as a footballer and his calm demeanour on the ball has made Klopp’s system at Liverpool even more effective. As far as free transfers go, this deal is easily the best club has made under the German maestro.
#1 James Milner
But the best free transfer, probably of the Premier League era for Liverpool should be the signing of James Milner from Manchester City in 2015.
The former English international is now 33, but still remains one of the fittest players at the club. He has played at right-back, left-back and central midfield, all the while running himself into the ground for his team and his manager.
Milner is still Liverpool’s designated penalty taker, the club vice-captain and the calm presence in the dressing room that has certainly made a difference at Anfield.
Sporting the no.7, Milner has 24 goals and 39 assists in 188 appearances across all competitions and was the match-winner for the Reds in their recent 2-1 victory over Leicester City.
He may no longer be the first name on the team sheet, but he will remain a crucial part of the plans for Klopp, for years to come.
