Most football fans would even struggle to name a single football player from Zimbabwe, as the country hasn't been a part of any major International tournament in recent memory and no established player has come from the country in the current era. Thus it would be a shock for many football fans to know that a top club like Liverpool had a Zimbabwean player as their first-choice goalie for over a decade.
The above mentioned player is Bruce Grobbelaar, who is fondly remembered by the Anfield faithful for his time at Liverpool between 1981 and 1994. His gymnastic-like athletic ability, unflappable confidence, flamboyant style of play, and his rushing ability made a sweeper keeper of his era. Let us now look back at his time with the Reds.
From reserve keeper to undisputed Liverpool No. 1
After doing extensive scouting on the player, Liverpool finally decided to sign the player. Bruce Grobbelaar eventually joined the Reds in 1981 from Vancouver Whitecaps for a £250,000 transfer fee. Even though he was signed as a reserve keeper, Grobbelaar established himself as their first-choice keeper by mid 1981. The departure of regular goalie Ray Clemence to Tottenham was the catalyst that saw Grobbelaar promoted to the first-team.
The Zimbabwean goalkeeper's early days as Liverpool No. 1 saw him make several errors, which affected the team immensely. By the end of the calendar year, Liverpool finished in the mid-table and didn't look to challenge for any major honours.
However, manager Bob Paisley eventually got the best out of his players and the Reds hit top form upon the new year. Liverpool's excellent displays saw them earn 43 points from a possible 50, and they ultimately ended the season as League Champions. It was a historic campaign for Liverpool that ended with a league and League Cup double victory. Grobbelaar was an instrumental part of their success as well, as he claimed his position as Liverpool's undisputed No. 1.
Period of dominance
The fact that Bruce Grobbelaar retained his position as first-choice GK under three of Liverpool's greatest managers; Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish, was proof of his excellence as a player. In addition to his outstanding goalkeeping traits, his ability to fearlessly command and communicate with the backline made him stand out. Grobbelaar's influence for Liverpool extended beyond the domestic competitions as well. The Zimbabwean was instrumental in their historic 1984 European triumph, as his heroics saw Liverpool beat Roma in the final that stretched till penalties.
Even though several challengers came over the years, Grobbelaar kept his place as Liverpool's No. 1 during their period of dominance. Liverpool were undoubtedly the best team in England back then, with Grobbelaar winning 4 out of his 5 league campaigns.
The end
Grobbelaar's influence diminished during the 1988–89, as injuries and sickness overshadowed his campaign. He was still able to make 21 league appearances for Liverpool, in what was a bittersweet season.
After beating rivals Everton to win the FA Cup, Liverpool were closer to winning yet another Double. The only obstacle in front of them was Arsenal.
In what is seen as a legendary match as the years have gone by, Grobbelaar conceded a last-minute goal during that match to Arsenal midfielder Michael Thomas. The consequences of it were catastrophic, as Arsenal snatched the league title from Liverpool's hand via goal-difference.
The signing of David James in 1992 seemed like the beginning of the end for Grobbelaar at Anfield. Despite his regular appearances for the Reds, his insistence to play for Zimbabwe led to more opportunities for James.
Grobbelaar still managed to play for Liverpool till 1994, with his last appearance being against Leeds on 19th February 1994. The legendary Zimbabwean goalkeeper bid farewell to Anfield, after a historic 13 years that saw them win 19 titles together.
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