Peter Thompson starred on the left wing in Liverpool’s history-making team of the 1960s.
With the skill to match his outstanding work-rate, he was signed by the Reds in 1963 from Preston North End having caught the eye of Bill Shankly when knocking the club out of the FA Cup a year prior.
In the seven seasons that followed his arrival at Anfield, Thompson’s phenomenal consistency meant he missed only 10 of 294 league fixtures and was a key figure in the championship being won twice.
Thompson played every match, scored six goals and created 12 in 1963-64 as Liverpool claimed the First Division title just two seasons after being promoted back to the top flight.
His pace, footwork and ability to slalom down the flank earned the acclaim of supporters while bamboozling defenders.
In the next campaign, the man from Carlisle supplied a crucial opening strike in an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea to help send Shankly’s men to Wembley.
And in the showpiece meeting with Leeds United, he was involved for the entirety as the Reds prevailed 2-1 after extra-time to lift the trophy for the first time.
There were 40 league appearances for Thompson when the club’s successful streak continued with the regaining of the title in 1965-66.
Thompson had passed 400 games and 50 goals for Liverpool by the time of his last outing in January 1972, with knee injuries curtailing his marvellous spell.
“His work-rate was outstanding, his fitness unequalled, his balance like a ballet dancer,” said Shankly. “I have no hesitation in placing Peter up among the all-time greats.”
