Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterDuring Jan Molbys seven-year spell at Liverpool, the Dane was a key part of one of the most successful sides in English football history.The midfielder joined from Ajax in 1984 and quickly established himself in the Reds side, going on to win three First Division titles and two FA Cups on Merseyside.As Molby looks back at his time at Anfield, he has particular praise for a defensive trio, who were able to combine technical quality, intelligence and drive to the side.Pick the ultimate 4-4-2 line-up from players in FourFourTwo's definitive Top 100 ListJan Molby on his defensive Liverpool teammatesRight-back Phil Neal played more 650 times for the Reds, winning eight league titles, four FA Cups and four European Cups to cement his place as one of Liverpools greatest-ever players, and one which Molby immediately respected.I thought he was a terrific footballer, Molby tells FourFourTwo. A great defender, a very good one-touch passer, and could follow up with both feet. You may like Kolo Toure names his Perfect XI and reflects on brother Yaya's talent He was the cleverest player ever - he could be a soldier and he could be a general. He had no ego Kevin Keegan on the best he ever played with and against It wouldnt be fair to compare Kevin Nolan with Zinedine Zidane but maybe he was a better warrior Youri Djorkaeff on two of his very different former team-mates I only played with him for 18 months, but was one of those guys when I walked into Liverpool, I was instantly impressed with his ability.At the centre of defence during Molbys time at the club was another of Liverpools most respected and decorated players.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Alan Hansen is one of those rare players that wouldnt have looked out of place in todays football because of the way he played the game, Molby reflects.He was an exceptional reader of the game, very quick and very comfortable with the high line thats often played nowadays.Left-back Steve Nichol was also established at the club when Molby joined, with the Dane quick to recognise the contribution of a player who would sometimes get overlooked before winning a key individual honour at the end of the 1980s. What to read next The late Kevin Keegan exclusive, on the upsides and downsides of his spell in Germany Kevin Keegan: how Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle fell Head Over Heels In Love with King Kev "Gary Lineker never used to go out for the warm-ups. Hed stand in a hot bath and do a few stretches, then he was ready" Alan Smith on his former Leicester City team-mate's tricks of the trade In 1989, Steve was the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year, Molby continues.A terrific all-round footballer and one of those guys that generally didnt know how well liked he was and how good he was.He was a real unsung hero, but so appreciated by the backroom staff and his team-mates.Jan Molby was speaking to FourFourTwo via Free Bets TOPICSLiverpoolPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromJames Hilsum
