Liverpool legends Mark Lawrenson and Phil Neal have paid tribute to former teammate Ray Kennedy following his death, aged 70.
Kennedy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1984, enjoyed a glittering, trophy-laden career – most notably at two clubs and in two different positions.
Having inspired Arsenal to the double in 1971, famously scoring the goal which clinched it at Tottenham, the fearsome striker joined the Reds in 1974 and found himself in a new role.
Iconic manager Bob Paisley decided to play Kennedy on the left, a decision which initially sparked confusion, but ultimately proved a masterstroke.
The newly-found left-winger would finish his Anfield career with three European Cups and five league titles.
Lawrenson, the legendary defender who played alongside Kennedy towards the end of his Liverpool career, believes the late forward’s versatility in attack proved his class.
“If you ask Liverpool fans of that era, they will say what an outstanding player he was,” Lawro told talkSPORT.
“The great thing about Ray was he was such a mild-mannered bloke. Everything was easy for him.
“Like the rest of us, he loved a beer, but the game was very easy for him.
“To be able to play for Arsenal as a striker and win the double, then go to Liverpool, play on the left-hand side, and win all those trophies?
“It just tells you how good he was.”
He added: “When Ray signed for Liverpool, everybody assumed he would play up front, and they played him on the left side of midfield, and everyone thought, ‘What are you doing that for?’
“I’ll tell you what, he was brilliant there.
“I didn’t play that many games with him, but you could just tell what a great player he was.
“He never ever gave the ball away, he was a mountain of a man on that left-side of midfield.”
And the man who starred on the other side of Paisley’s midfield, Neal, remembers Kennedy’s astonishing left foot.
Neal told talkSPORT: “With Arsenal, he played up front and Bob changed him to a left-sided player.
“I was on the other side, but what a left foot Ray Kennedy had!
“Both with delivering passes for other people and shooting ability.”
Neal continued: “He was a cool-headed person. He didn’t flap at a goal chance, he’d just put it away, smack it in.
“He made goals for another people. He was an ongoing favour for everyone around him. Me as well.”