The festive period is a fantastic time to be a football fan, with matches coming thick and fast throughout Christmas and New Year’s.
One of the biggest fixtures during that time frame will be Liverpool vs Newcastle United at Anfield on New Year’s Day (January 1).
At the time of writing, the Reds are engaged in a thrilling title fight while the Magpies are hoping to make up ground on the top four.
On that basis, it’s no surprise that Jurgen Klopp’s men are the favourites in the Liverpool vs Newcastle odds.
This game is going to be a tough one to call though.
So, instead, let’s take a look at five of the best players who have pulled on both the famous red jersey of Liverpool and the black and white strip of Newcastle.
Micheal Owen
Liverpool (1996–2004): Michael Owen burst onto the scene as a prodigious talent in Liverpool’s youth academy.
The striker’s electrifying pace and clinical finishing endeared him to the Anfield faithful.
Owen’s time at Liverpool saw him claim the Ballon d’Or in 2001, and he remains one of the club’s all-time leading scorers.
Newcastle United (2005–09): Owen made a high-profile move from Real Madrid to Newcastle in 2005.
Despite battling injuries during his time at St James’ Park, he continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess.
Owen rumbled the red half of Merseyside when he joined Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United in 2009, and he won the Premier League with the Red Devils in 2010-11.
Kevin Keegan
Liverpool (1971–1977): Kevin Keegan’s arrival at Liverpool marked the beginning of an era of success at Anfield.
The forward played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s dominance during the 1970s, winning three league titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup.
Newcastle United (1982–1984): Following stints at Hamburg and Southampton, Keegan signed for Newcastle United close to the end of his tether in 1982.
Despite being 31 years of age, Keegan was still prolific and helped them gain promotion back to the top flight in 1984.
He returned to St. James’ Park to manage Newcastle in 1992, earning promotion to the promised land again that year and almost winning the Premier League on a couple of occasions.
Peter Beardsley
Newcastle United (1983–1987, 1993–1997): Peter Beardsley had two decent stints with Newcastle during his storied career.
His skill and vision made him a beloved figure at Newcastle, and he scored an impressive 119 goals across his two spells in the northeast.
Liverpool (1987–1991): Beardsley enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at Liverpool, winning two First Division titles and the FA Cup.
But he left Anfield and made the short trip across Stanley Park to join Everton in 1991.
Dietmar Hemann
Newcastle United (1998–1999): After breaking through the youth ranks and making over 100 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning two Bundesliga titles, Dietmar Hamann signed for Newcastle in 1998.
His brief stint at Newcastle showcased his midfield prowess, and the Reds came calling after just one season at St. James’ Park.
Liverpool (1999–2006): Hamann became a linchpin in Liverpool’s midfield for the best part of sevens, and won FA Cups, two League Cups, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League title with the Reds.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Newcastle United (2015-16): The most recent player to ply their trade for both Newcastle and Liverpool, Georginio Wijnaldum also spent just one season in the northeast before being snapped up by the Reds — scoring an impressive 11 times in 38 league games from midfield.
Liverpool (2016–2021): The Dutchman’s five seasons at Anfield saw him play over 230 times for Liverpool, helping Klopp’s men become more favourable in the Premier League betting odds as they ended their 30-year title wait in 2020.
Wijnaldum also won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2020.
