Liverpool’s Past Number 7s After Luis Diaz Swaps Shirt Number

• Liverpool forward, Luis Diaz will wear the jersey number 7 next season
• The Colombian previously wore number 23 after joining the club in January 2022
• He won two trophies in his first half-season but had an injury-ladened second season

Liverpool have confirmed that winger, Luis Diaz will switch from his previous jersey number 23 and wear the number 7 next season as he hopes to regain his form after an injury-troubled season.

The number was previously worn by veteran midfielder James Milner, who left Anfield on a free transfer to join Brighton and Hove Albion, who will be in the Europa League next season alongside the Reds.

An official statement confirmed the Colombian will personally reimburse supporters who have purchased the new kit with the number 23 with a like-for-like replacement.

Sports Brief looks at Liverpool's previous number 7s, as ranked from worst to best by Planet Football.

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Football

7. Nigel Clough

The first Reds’ number 7 in the Premier League era is probably the worst. He never reached the hype of the reputation he built at Nottingham Forest, where he scored over 100 goals before moving to Anfield. He reignited his career at Burton Albion.

6. Robbie Keane

The Irishman joined Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur for £20m in 2008, but returned to Spurs after just six months. He scored five goals in 19 games, including that sweet goal against Arsenal.

5. Harry Kewell

The Australian struggled with injuries initially, one of which forced him off early in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. He helped the club to another UCL final in 2007, which they lost to AC Milan.

4. Vladimir Smicer

Smicer was the man who vacated the number 7 for Kewell when the Aussie joined in 2003. He had more fond moments in red when not wearing the iconic number, though, including the 2005 miraculous UCL win in Istanbul.

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3. James Milner

Milner held the number for seven years at Anfield after arriving from Manchester City. He won it all at Liverpool and played in almost all positions except in goal. He signed a one-year contract with Brighton at 37 early this month.

2. Steve McManaman

McManaman played for Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid throughout an illustrious career, but played the most at Anfield. He helped the club to an FA Cup trophy before moving on to Real Madrid, where he won two UCL trophies.

1. Luis Suarez

Suarez is arguably the greatest of them all. The Uruguayan striker spent three years at Anfield after joining from Liverpool and it was goals galore. He left for Barcelona in 2014, where he formed a deadly trio with Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.

Liverpool’s former number 10s

Sports Brief analysed Liverpool’s former number 10s after Alexis Mac Allister chose the iconic number in order to avoid the big boots of club legend, Steven Gerrard.

The number also has a big reputation to live up to, though, as previous occupants include John Barnes, Philippe Coutinho, and legendary Senegalese forward, Sadio Mane.