Liverpool FC: Timeline of the Reds' Right Wing Transfer Problems Since McManaman

Liverpool are presumed to be ready to enter the transfer market this January to bolster their squad and improve their chances of a top-four Premier League finish, and at the top of their list could be an attacking right-sided midfielder.

Kopites everywhere will have their fingers crossed that Damien Comolli, Kenny Dalglish and the entire scouting network do their homework for any pending transfers—as it is fair to say that things haven't exactly gone to plan when the Reds have brought in new right wingers over the past dozen years or so.

Steve McManaman was the last right winger who, on a regular basis, could really get the crowd on their feet and win games for Liverpool with genuine class and talent.

Here is a run-down of every right sided midfield player that Gerard Houllier, Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson and now Kenny Dalglish have brought to Anfield since Shaggy left and how they have fared in their careers at Liverpool.

I apologise in advance if some of these players and memories make for horror stories and nightmares.

Now, who wants a nice, shiny, new right-winger as a late Christmas present?

Other Youth Players, Reserve Squad Members and Occasionals

Darren Potter (pictured) featured for Liverpool in the qualifying stages for the 2004-05 Champions League run, which culminated in the magnificent occasion of the Istanbul final the following May.

Steve Finnan figured on the right side of midfield under Rafael Benitez after Josemi took his regular spot at right-back, though it wasn't long before the Irishman regained his usual place in the team.

Antonio Barragan played his only game for the Reds on the right side of midfield despite being a full-back by trade.

Jan Kromkamp also featured in midfield, like Barragan, despite being a full-back. Kromkamp excelled at neither position and left after just six months at the club.

Ryan Babel featured mainly as a left winger for Liverpool, interspersed with stints up front and the odd fling with a right-wing spot which nobody has seemed to want to nail down.

Nathan Eccleston has made most of his few Liverpool appearances so far on either the left or right wing. His debut against Arsenal and his second appearance a few days later against Fulham both came on the right flank. He has yet to really show that he can play on the wing, preferring and being much more effective in his usual strikers role.

David Amoo has made a solitary Reds appearance to date against FK Rabotnicki, where he featured on the right of midfield.

Philipp Degen was a full-back who struggled in his first season because of injury and featured briefly on the right in his second campaign as he sought to get acclimatised to the Red shirt. Ultimately, he failed epically.

Jonjo Shelvey has made several of his Reds appearances to date featuring on the right side of midfield.

Raul Meireles played plenty of the first half of the season on the same flank, looking woefully inadequate under the Roy Hodgson regime which stagnated Liverpool's attacking emphasis and stunted the qualities of the likes of Meireles on the ball.

Dani Pacheco featured briefly on the right side for Liverpool during several of his cameo substitute appearances, particularly during the 2010-11 season.

7. Vladimir Smicer, Czech Republic, 1999-2005

When Steve McManaman left for Real Madrid in the summer of 1999, Gerard Houllier brought in a troop of new recruits, one of the being Czech playmaker Vladimir Smicer.

Seen by many as a direct replacement for the outgoing Shaggy, Vladi was somewhat unfairly labelled as such by fans giving that he was an entirely different kind of player.

Smicer had made his name playing as a goal-scoring midfielder who excelled in a central role behind a forward, but his time at Liverpool was largely spent on either flank, especially the right—when he wasn't in the treatment room, that is.

Vladi's finest moment in a Reds shirt came, of course, in his final match: the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, where he scored the second goal against AC Milan and netted a penalty in the shootout.

LFC Games: 184

LFC Goals: 19

14. Vegard Heggem, Norway, 1998-2003

Norwegian attacking full-back Vegard Heggem became a fan favourite on the Kop after his rampaging runs from defence and ability to take on opponents.

After a switch in tactics, managers and teammates in general while Heggem was sidelined for long periods through injury, he came back into the side playing a more advanced role on the right side of midfield.

He briefly looked like he would nail down the right side spot, but injuries got the better of him and his Reds career came to an unfortunate end.

LFC Games: 65

LFC Goals: 3

English Trio: 25. David Thompson, 28. Steven Gerrard, 24. Danny Murphy 1998-2000

A couple of homegrown youngsters, Steven Gerrard and Davey Thompson, used to interchange with a certain young lad signed from Crewe Alexandra, Danny Murphy, on the right-hand side of midfield in the early years under Gerard Houllier.

According to Gerrard, the trio used to refer to the right-wing slot as the "graveyard shift," as they would almost always be substituted around the hour mark.

Each player preferred playing centrally but were happy to take one for the team as it were in exchange for getting valuable game time in their fledgling Anfield careers.

Later on, Steven Gerrard would once again feature heavily on the right side of midfield as Liverpool pushed for top honours under Rafael Benitez, scoring over 20 goals in a season from that position.

Thompson

LFC Games: 56

LFC Goals: 5

Murphy

LFC Games: 249

LFC Goals: 44

Gerrard (to date)

LFC Games: 566

LFC Goals: 144

20. Nick Barmby, England, 2000-2002

Current Hull City manager Nick Barmby joined Liverpool from rivals Everton in 2000 and spent two years at Anfield playing on both flanks in midfield.

During the first season in the Red half of Merseyside's football kits, Barmby excelled, playing a major role in Liverpool's trio of cup wins and scoring several important goals, including against former club Everton.

The following season, Liverpool accepted a bid from Sunderland for the winger, but Barmby turned down the move, though soon after, he left for Leeds.

LFC Games: 58

LFC Goals: 8

9. El-Hadji Diouf, Senegal, 2002-2004

Ten million pound Senegalese forward El-Hadji Diouf signed for the Reds after the 2002 World Cup in which he played a starring role for his country, along with midfield compatriot Salif Diao, who also signed for the Reds that summer.

Both of them were a huge disappointment for different reasons.

Diouf started off up front for Liverpool, but when Gerard Houllier realised that the forward was incapable of creating or finishing off chances, he was moved to the right side of midfield, where his complete lack of movement and pace saw him flounder equally well.

A loan move and then permanent transfer soon followed as Liverpool off-loaded one of their biggest transfer mistakes of the 21st century.

LFC Games: 80

LFC Goals: 6

7. Harry Kewell, Australia, 2003-2008

Injury-prone winger Harry Kewell was seen as the answer to Liverpool's left-wing issues when he signed from Leeds United in 2003, but Gerard Houllier instead saw fit to play him on the right wing, leaving the Reds still without a recognised left-sided player.

Kewell started brightly and had a wonderful first six months at the club, but when injuries hit him soon after, it seemed that they never left.

Aussie Kewell endured several seasons of frustration, as frequent setbacks meant he never again got a sustained run in the first team. He was on the receiving end of some Kop ire when he was substituted in successive cup finals through injury, having started the matches despite not being heavily involved in actually getting there.

LFC Games: 139

LFC Goals: 16

Les French Gems: 20. Anthony Le Tallec and 24. Florent Sinama-Pongolle

'Tony Le T and Flo Cinema-Popcorn were the "French Gems" signed by boss Gerard Houllier ahead of stiff competition throughout Europe, players who had starred for the French national youth sides and carried high hopes of being breakout stars at Anfield.

While Le Tallec was seen as a creative second forward or attacking midfielder and Sinama-Pongolle an out-and-out striker, neither really made the breakthrough in their preferred positions, both instead having infrequent run-outs on the right side of midfield.

Sinama initially looked like he could hold that spot down in the early part of the 2004-05 season until a freak ligament injury struck him down when he turned awkwardly, while Le Tallec returned from loan to play a significant role in the same position in the Champions League quarterfinal against Juventus.

In the end, both players left without having achieved anything like their full potential at Anfield.

Le Tallec

LFC Games: 32

LFC Goals: 1

Sinama-Pongolle

LFC Games: 66

LFC Goals: 9

18. Antonio Nu­ñez, Spain, 2004-2005

Brought to Liverpool as a part-exchange addition in the transfer which took Michael Owen to Real Madrid, Antonio Nuñez arguably lays a claim to being one of the poorest ever footballers to win the European Cup.

In and out the side as a hard-working but ultimately talentless wide midfielder, Nuñez never even came close to winning over the Anfield faithful and lasted a mere season on Merseyside before departing for Spain once more.

Nuñez sat on the bench for the Istanbul Champions League final and thus claimed his winners medal, while he also scored his only Reds goal in the League Cup final, which Liverpool lost.

LFC Games: 27

LFC Goals: 1

10. Luis Garcia, Spain, 2004-2007

Spanish playmaker Luis Garcia was arguably the most talented player on the entire list and perhaps the one who frustrated fans the most too.

The tea-drinking Spaniard was a real goal threat for the Reds during his stay at the club and excelled in European games, especially during his first season at the club.

Goals against Chelsea were his forte seemingly, as he put them to the sword in both FA and European Cup semifinals.

And yes, they were both goals.

Injury disrupted his final season at Anfield, but Luis Garcia was largely a crowd favourite who contributed to a successful period in the club's history, though he missed the victorious FA Cup final in 2006 through suspension.

LFC Games: 121

LFC Goals: 30

9. Djibril Cisse, France, 2004-2006

Bought as a record fee striker from Auxerre by Gerard Houllier for £14 million, Djibril Cisse actually signed for Liverpool when Rafael Benitez was in charge in 2004.

Cisse suffered two terrible broken bone injuries, but recovered to play his part in the run up to the 2005 Champions League final, in which he scored in the penalty shootout.

Despite being a fast centre forward, Rafael Benitez later opted to play Cisse on the right wing for most of a season as he sought to bring more attacking pace to his team in wide areas.

Cisse did well enough but was clearly less comfortable in this role, and he moved on loan and then permanently.

LFC Games: 79

LFC Goals: 24

16. Jermaine Pennant, England, 2006-2008

Rafael Benitez swooped to sign Jermaine Pennant in 2006 for almost £7 million, as he and Mark Gonzalez were supposed to add pace and penetration in the Reds' wide areas of attack.

Pennant blew way too hot and cold for Rafa's liking, combining Man of the Match performances—most notably in the 2007 Champions League final—with incidents of petulance and generally poor form.

He was only really a regular for the Reds for one season before he was in and out of the team, before he finally left on loan to Portsmouth and then for pastures new in Spain.

LFC Games: 81

LFC Goals: 3

15. Yossi Benayoun, Israel, 2007-2010

Yossi Benayoun brought his West Ham United career to a close in somewhat controversial circumstances after he was allegedly agreeing to sign a new contract with the Hammers until Liverpool's interest became apparent.

Once the move went ahead, Yossi set about establishing himself as an important squad member, though he never quite seemed to become the integral cog to the front line that he wanted to be.

Featuring all the way across the "three behind the one" in Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 system under Rafa Benitez, Benayoun got more than his share of goals and assists, including memorable hattricks against Besiktas and Burnley.

Benayoun was an important part of the team as Liverpool aimed for the Premier League title in 2009, but the following season lost his way somewhat, along with the team in general, before he left for Chelsea in 2010.

LFC Games: 134

LFC Goals: 29

18. Dirk Kuyt, Holland, 2006-Present,

Dutch forward Dirk Kuyt signed for Liverpool back in 2006 and has gone on to make 261 appearances for the Reds to date.

He started off as Liverpool's main attacker after arriving from Feyenoord in a £10 million deal, though after a couple of seasons, he was shifted out to the right side of midfield by Rafa Benitez, where he has mainly featured ever since, though he does still occasionally get the odd run-out up front.

Kuyt is renowned for his hard-work and selfless play, though at times, he is regarded as placing too much of an emphasis on this and not enough in improving his technical ability.

Dirk has always managed to net plenty of crucial goals for Liverpool, though his strike record in no way compares to his clinical rate while playing in Holland.

LFC Games: 261

LFC Goals: 67

31. Nabil El Zhar, Morocco, 2006-2011

Moroccan winger Nabil El Zhar was brought to the club on a free transfer by Rafael Benitez after his contract with St. Etienne expired.

Tricky with the ball at his feet and with a good turn of pace, he was initially seen as an impact substitute, someone who could make things happen late on in games.

However, it turned out that El Zhar struggled against anything like decent opposition and was never really the calibre of player Liverpool needed, either from the start or later on in games.

Radio commentator Alan Green once stated "What is Nabil El-Zhar for?"—a feeling reflected by many a Liverpool fan as they watched the young Moroccan come on in place of a more talented and experienced teammate as the Reds chased a game.

Liverpool eventually granted El Zhar a free transfer at the beginning of the current season after a loan spell last year.

LFC Games: 31

LFC Goals: 1

11. Maxi Rodriguez, Argentina, 2010-Present

Maxi Rodriguez came in on a free transfer during the winter transfer window in 2010 from Atletico Madrid to add some much-needed depth to Liverpool's squad.

Initially, Maxi seemed to struggle with the pace and power of the Premier League, though in time, his adaptation has seen his attributes come to the forefront.

Clever movement and a good touch have made the wide midfielder an important part of the squad, and he continues to be involved in much of Liverpool's good play, when selected.

Arguably the player to have grown and improved the most since the arrival of Kenny Dalglish a year ago, Maxi has hit an impressive scoring streak, especially against Chelsea and fellow London-based opposition.

LFC Games: 62

LFC Goals: 15

14. Jordan Henderson, England, 2011-Present

The Reds' newest recruits include former Sunderland man Jordan Henderson, who joined for around £16 million in the summer of 2011.

Though predominantly a central midfield player, Henderson has played much of the campaign out on the right flank, only more recently trying his hand through the middle for the Reds, where he is clearly more comfortable.

A good crossing ability has not yet really fully flourished from that side of Liverpool's midfield, where his energy and enthusiasm has been good on the ball, but not quite so impressive out of possession.

A willing runner and always looking to create things from outside the 18-yard box, one feels Henderson could improve both his and Liverpool's game immeasurably if he took the chance on arriving late in the opponent penalty area on a more regular basis.

LFC Games: 23

LFC Goals: 1

19. Stewart Downing, England, 2011-Present

In addition to Henderson, Liverpool signed Stewart Downing in the summer of 2011 from Aston Villa for the princely sum of £20 million.

Capable of playing on both flanks, Downing usually seems better suited to playing down the left, his natural side, but can look very dangerous when cutting in from the right side.

Unfortunately, his shooting has too often not matched his approach play this season.

Downing has yet to really burst into life in a Red shirt; after some promising early displays, his form faded badly, and he has been in and out of Kenny Dalglish's team recently.

Definitely a player who can make things happen for Liverpool, but Downing's Reds career hasn't gotten started quite yet.

LFC Games: 22

LFC Goals: 1

Next Up...Transfer Window January 2012, Any New Arrivals?

Liverpool have been linked with somewhere in the region of four hundred thousand players from around Europe and the wider world already during this transfer window, and with another two weeks to go until it shuts, there is every chance that a new arrival could turn up at Anfield looking to make the right-wing slot his own.

Whether or not Kenny Dalglish and Damien Comolli have earmarked a new player for that role remains to be seen, though it is fair to imagine that it would be a top priority for a number of fans.

The list of names rumoured to be on their way to Anfield continues to grow; watch this space for any new addition to the long line of wide right midfielders who have graced or disgraced the Red shirt since Steve McManaman departed for Spain way back in 1999.

Thanks for reading.