Rating Every Liverpool Striker Who Wore the Legendary No. 9 Jersey This Century

Liverpool's record-breaking acquisition Alexander Isak took over the club's legendary No. 9 jersey after his £125 million transfer from Newcastle United during the summer window.

At Anfield, this particular number has represented both triumph and disappointment—adorned by some exceptional forwards who dazzled Merseyside, and by others who… well, failed to match the prestigious heritage.

With this context, we've examined every Liverpool No. 9 from the 21st century, ordering them from top to bottom to reveal precisely what legacy Isak is inheriting. While some players changed jersey numbers throughout their Anfield tenures, we've included their complete Liverpool statistics if they ever wore the celebrated No. 9.

*EDITORS NOTE: Isak himself not yet included due to length of time at club.

11. Iago Aspas

Years: 2013–2014
Games: 15
Goals: 1

Iago Aspas enjoyed a successful career in La Liga with Celta Vigo, but proved to be a major letdown during his sole campaign in England.

The Spanish forward's solitary goal for Liverpool arrived against Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup, with his most unforgettable moment occurring when he delivered a corner kick directly to an opposing player.

Hardly impressive.

10. Rickie Lambert

Years: 2014–2015
Games: 36
Goals: 3

Lifelong Liverpool supporter Rickie Lambert was let go by the Reds at age 15 and had to climb his way up from the absolute bottom to make his return.

He battled through lower league football and guided Southampton to Premier League promotion as he reached his thirties. Following two outstanding top-flight campaigns, Liverpool chose to bring Lambert back home.

Sadly for the forward, he couldn't capitalize on his opportunity back at Anfield and departed after just one season.

9. El Hadji Diouf

Years: 2002–2004
Games: 79
Goals: 6

Liverpool supporters likely believed they had struck gold when they secured El Hadji Diouf's signature on the same day he dismantled defending champions France at the 2002 World Cup, propelling Senegal to the quarter-finals.

Following a promising beginning on Merseyside, Diouf transformed into more of a problem for Liverpool than for opposing teams, with his two seasons at the club plagued by numerous controversies and minimal goal output.

8. Nicolas Anelka

Years: 2001–2002
Games: 22
Goals: 5

A talented nomad, it's simple to overlook that Nicolas Anelka made a brief stop at Liverpool during the middle of the 2001–02 campaign.

With five strikes in 22 appearances, he at least wasn't awful.

7. Andy Carroll

Years: 2011–2013
Games: 58
Goals: 11

Liverpool spending £35 million on Andy Carroll—who possessed only half a season of genuine Premier League experience—appeared excessive at the time.

It looks even more excessive in retrospect.

Carroll was a promising striker but certainly wasn't prepared to make the leap to such a prestigious club and he rapidly found himself neutralized by opponents and placed in challenging situations that didn't complement his abilities.

6. Christian Benteke

Years: 2015–2016
Games: 42
Goals: 10

Christian Benteke wasn't a poor striker. A debatable acquisition, certainly, but hardly a catastrophic failure.

He performed well before joining Liverpool and remained productive in the seasons immediately following his departure, while his tally of 10 in 42—including a spectacular bicycle kick against Manchester United—for the Reds was acceptable.

5. Darwin Nunez

Years: 2022–2025
Games: 143
Goals: 40

The dubbed "Agent of Chaos" certainly justified his moniker during his tumultuous period at Anfield.

Moments of genius, spectacular strikes, and tireless movement were combined with shocking misses, extended scoring droughts, and, well, more tireless—and occasionally completely futile—running.

Both captivating and frustrating in equal parts, the Uruguayan developed into somewhat of a fan favorite, but his record of 40 goals in 143 matches ultimately didn't warrant that enormous £85 million transfer fee.

4. Robbie Fowler

Years: 1999–2002, 2006–2007
Games: 118*
Goals: 36*

We are now entering asterisk territory, people.

Robbie Fowler ranks among Liverpool's finest ever forwards. However, if we're solely considering seasons in the 21st century, then his influence is reduced.

From 1993 to 1999, Fowler netted an impressive 135 goals in 251 matches, but injuries meant his peak years were shortened.

During two stints at Anfield in the 2000s, he remained a valuable player and beloved figure.

3. Djibril Cissé

Years: 2003–2005
Games: 82
Goals: 26

Djibril Cissé's Liverpool journey will forever hold an element of what could have been.

Following a solid beginning after his transfer from Auxerre, the French striker endured a devastating leg fracture just months into his Anfield career—an injury that might have terminated his playing days. Amazingly, he returned merely six months later to contribute crucially to Liverpool's memorable 2005 Champions League victory, converting in the penalty shootout triumph over AC Milan.

At full fitness the following season, he scored 21 goals, finding the net twice in the UEFA Super Cup and opening the scoring in the FA Cup final victory over West Ham.

Considering his injury setback, Cissé's contribution at Liverpool was truly extraordinary.

2. Fernando Torres

Years: 2007–2011
Games: 142
Goals: 81

Fernando Torres was everybody's preferred striker during his initial two seasons at Liverpool.

He was the fastest player in the country. He had stylish hair. He was part of Spain's golden era. He had the most memorable chant. He featured in his own legendary Nike commercial, for crying out loud.

It never seemed right when he exchanged Liverpool red for Chelsea blue, and it's wonderful to see he's still cherished on Merseyside today.

1. Roberto Firmino

Years: 2015–2023
Games: 362
Goals: 111

Torres achieved the greater peak, but Roberto Firmino's consistency and achievements are unmatched in this comparison.

The Brazilian—who initially wore the No. 11 during his first season at Anfield—claimed every trophy possible during his Liverpool tenure, and though he wasn't always a ruthless finisher, he was the ideal striker to partner with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.

An exceptionally gifted and astute player who consistently stayed ahead of his opponents, Firmino is a genuine Liverpool icon.