Forwards

Ian Rush

Appearances: 36
Goals: 18

It says it all about Ian Rush that his average of a goal every other league game in 1989/90 wasn't even close to being the best ratio of his Liverpool FC career. Rush's first goal of the season came in the 3-0 win at Derby County FC in September and he had a habit of netting doubles, scoring twice in the 3-2 win at Everton FC, the 4-1 victory at Manchester City FC, the 5-2 success at Chelsea FC and a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest FC on New Year's Day. His goals in narrow home wins against Southampton FC (3-2) and Wimbledon FC (2-1) in the space of four days as March turned into April were also crucial. The Reds had lost their previous game 1-0 at Tottenham Hotspur FC and dropped to second place behind title rivals Aston Villa FC. That 3-2 win against the Saints on 31st March, courtesy of an 82nd minute Rush winner, put the Reds top again on goal difference and after he scored again against the Wombles, in what was a game in hand for the Reds, Dalglish's side went clear of Villa and were never caught. Rush's final Anfield goal of the season was also important – it cancelled out Roy Wegerle's opener for Queens Park Rangers FC on the day the Reds became champions.

Peter Beardsley

Appearances: 29
Goals: 10

A stress fracture of the knee, suffered in the Reds' 4-3 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace FC in early April, forced Peter Beardsley to miss the title run in, but the creative no.7 – who Kenny Dalglish signed in 1987 to replace himself – had already played his part. His 10 league goals included a trademark dribble and finish in the 4-1 win at Manchester City FC and an important equaliser from 25-yards out in the 1-1 Anfield draw with Aston Villa FC in December. It came after John Barnes, who'd netted in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park in August, had been carried off injured. The Geordie's 10th and final goal of the season – a winner from the penalty spot at home to Everton FC in February – was also crucial while his outside-of-the-boot assist for Barnes' opener in the 2-1 victory at Manchester United FC was Beardsley at his creative best.

Ronny Rosenthal

Appearances: 8
Goals: 7

Israeli striker Ronny Rosenthal was a complete unknown when Liverpool FC signed him on loan from Royal Standard de Liège on 31st March 1990 in the days before the transfer window existed. He made an explosive impact, scoring a perfect hat-trick – right foot, left foot and a diving header – on his first start to inspire Liverpool FC to a 4-0 win at Charlton Athletic FC. When 'Rocket Ronny', as he was nicknamed, then scored on his first two Anfield starts, in a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest FC and a 4-1 defeat of Chelsea FC, he became an instant Kop cult-hero. Rosenthal also netted twice during the 6-1 final day win at Coventry City FC and although he didn't play enough games – 10 was the magic number – to earn a league winners' medal, he completed a permanent move to LFC that summer.

John Aldridge

Appearances: 2
Goals: 1

The return of Ian Rush from Juventus FC in 1988/89 meant that Kenny Dalglish had a decision to make and it was a forward line of Rush, Beardsley and Barnes that he opted for. John Aldridge had netted 62 goals in the previous two seasons, but with squad rotation yet to be commonplace in football he was sold to Real Sociedad in September 1989. Shortly before he left, the Reds played Crystal Palace FC at Anfield and with the scoreline at 5-0 Liverpool FC were awarded a Kop-end penalty. Aldridge, who stood on the Kop as a boyhood Red, was immediately brought on to take it and fired the ball into the net for a farewell goal in what ended up as a 9-0 LFC win. He moved to Spain the following day, becoming the first non-Basque to play for Real Sociedad, where he was watched by a young fan by the name of Xabi Alonso.

Mike Marsh

Appearances: 2
Goals: 0

A prolific goalscorer at reserve level, 20-year-old striker Mike Marsh made two substitute appearances in 1989/90, coming on in the 4-1 win at Manchester City FC in December and the 4-0 victory at Charlton Athletic FC in April. He even played a part in Liverpool FC's fourth goal at Maine Road, clearing a corner that led to Ian Rush scoring on the counter-attack. Kirkby-born Marsh eventually broke into the team when Graeme Souness was appointed as LFC manager, but was converted to a midfielder and then a right-back.

Kenny Dalglish

Appearances: 1
Goals: 0

At the age of 39 Kenny Dalglish was still Liverpool FC's player-manager, but he didn't do much playing. After appearing just twice in both 1987/88 and 1988/89, he didn't even name himself as a substitute until the final home game of 1989/90 against Derby County FC – although he asked for his name to be announced over the Anfield PA system as 'a trialist'. Of course the Kop weren't buying that and after spending most of the second half calling for him to come on they got their wish when he replaced Jan Molby, giving Dalglish a rapturous reception. “The crowd wanted me on and anyone would have loved to play out there,” he said afterwards. With his Liverpool FC team only losing once since November, and finishing nine points clear of runners-up Aston Villa FC and 16 points ahead of third-placed Tottenham Hotspur FC, they were worthy champions. The 1-0 win against Derby County FC was Dalglish's 515th and final appearance for the Reds and his third league title as player-manager, although ironically he didn't qualify for a winners' medal due to not playing enough games. You should have had a word with the manager about that, Kenny...