Ian Rush is celebrated as one of the Liverpool’s greatest strikers and now he’s shared a glimpse of his personal Anfield Hall of Fame.
Rush joined Liverpool from Chester in 1980 as a 19-year-old and quickly became known for his instinctive finishing, sharp movement, and relentless work ethic.
Over 15 seasons at Anfield, split across two spells with a year stint at Juventus in-between, Rush became the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, netting 346 goals in 660 appearances and won numerous trophies, including five English league titles, three FA Cups, and the European Cup twice.
Beyond the numbers, the Welsh striker is remembered for his leadership, loyalty, and his role as a symbol of the club’s golden era in the 1980s.
In a recent interview with the Liverpool Echo, Rush was asked to name the four players who would represent Liverpool on a ‘Scouse Rushmore’, a Mount Rushmore-style monument celebrating the city’s footballing icons, and with little hesitation reeled off his choices.
“Phil Thompson, Sammy Lee, Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard.”
Both Phil Thompson and Sammy Lee were instrumental in helping the young Rush settle into senior football. When Rush first joined from Chester, Thompson and Lee provided guidance and mentorship, easing the transition from youth to professional football.
Thompson’s leadership on and off the pitch made him an enduring influence, embodying the professionalism and spirit that defined Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s, whilst Lee was known for his work ethic, tactical intelligence, and steadying influence in midfield.
Rush then switched gears, jumping into the Premier League era when naming Robbie Fowler, affectionately nicknamed “God” by Liverpool fans.
A prolific striker in his own right, Fowler’s goal-scoring prowess and uncanny ability to connect with fans made him one of the club’s most adored figures of the 1990s. His instinctive finishing and fearless approach in front of goal earned him a place in Rush’s ‘Scouse Rushmore’, symbolising the joy and excitement he brought to Anfield during his peak years.
Finally, Rush selected Steven Gerrard, the long-serving captain and midfield talisman. Gerrard’s career at Liverpool spanned 17 seasons, during which he won two FA Cups, three League Cups, and famously led the club to Champions League glory in 2005 in Istanbul.
Renowned for his leadership, loyalty, and world-class performances in crucial moments, Gerrard embodies the very essence of Liverpool Football Club. For Rush, Gerrard represents not only individual brilliance but also the enduring spirit of the club itself.
Rush’s ‘Scouse Rushmore’ is not merely a list of exceptional players; it reflects a personal journey through Liverpool.
Each choice is rooted in experiences, mentorship, and memories that shaped his career, highlighting the human connections behind the statistics and trophies. As Rush puts it, these players “bring back happy memories,” capturing the enduring bond between Liverpool legends across generations.
From Phil Thompson’s guidance, through Sammy Lee’s support, Fowler’s magic and to Gerrard’s leadership, Ian Rush’s ‘Scouse Rushmore’ tells the story of Liverpool football through the eyes of one of its greatest ever figures — a personal celebration of skill, loyalty, and memories that define the city’s footballing identity.
