HE may have not looked like the archetypal modern day footballer but Jan Molby had more than enough in his locker to stand out.

A gifted midfield with one of the best right foots in the business, Molby started his career at little-known Kolding in his native Denmark.

17Jan Molby was Liverpool’s famous maverick in the 80s and 90sCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

It was his performances in two seasons at Dutch giants Ajax (where he won the Eriedivisie) that caught the eye of Liverpool.

And when he moved to Merseyside in 1984, he soon became one of the club’s true cult heroes.

His spell at Anfield, where he won two First Division titles and two FA Cups (including the Double in 1985-86), would prove to be the highlight of his career.

But he also won 33 caps for his country, scoring two goals.

17His large frame made him stand out on the pitchCredit: PA:Empics Sport

17Molby won two first division titles and two FA Cups at LiverpoolCredit: Getty – Contributor

They called him ‘Rambo’…

Why? Well, largely because he never shirked a tackle and liked some proper argy-bargy too.

The fact he weighed in at 14 ½ stone (on a good day) might have had something to do it with it too.

Let’s just say he was larger than life.

17He reportedly weighed 14 and a half stone during his playing daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty

He impressed on a trial with Liverpool…

 In 1984, Liverpool manager Joe Fagan gave the Dane a trial in a game against Home Farm in Ireland.

RAGING BULL Nigel Pearson: The straight-talker once called a reporter an ostrich and never backed down from an argument

He made an instant impression, controlling the ball on his chest, flicking the ball over a defender’s head with his knee and then smashing a volley into the back of the net.

Fagan had seen enough. He signed Molby two days later.

17Jan Molby, second from right, was at Ajax with Johann Cruyff, far right, pictured here with Leo van Veen and Aad de MosCredit: Getty – Contributor

And Bob Paisley agreed…

The legendary Liverpool boss was bowled over by the Dane’s ability on the ball, not to mention his fantastic array of passes.

“He can’t get enough of the ball when everything is running for him.

“He’s like a compulsive gambler.

“No pass is too difficult to try, no shooting chance is allowed to go untaken,” he said.

17Ian Rush often found himself assisted by playmaker Molby on the pitchCredit: Bob Thomas

“He can go through a ten minute spell when you think he’s operating it by remote control.”

He was a penalty taker par excellence…

Few players in the history of the English top flight have a better record from 12 yards than Molby.

While he was at Liverpool, the Dane scored 62 goals with 42 coming from the penalty spot.

17A cool customer from 12 yards, Molby scored 42 goals from the penalty spotCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

In fact he only failed to score on three occasions.

Only Southampton’s Matt Le Tissier had a better success rate than that.

He was a dab hand at darts…

Maybe it was his generous build and his fondness for a pint or five, but Molby has always had an eye for the arrers.

In 2015, he even beat five-times World Champion Eric Bristow in a best of three legs match at a charity event at the Betway Premier League event in Liverpool.

17A jack of all trades, Molby even beat Eric Bristow at darts onceCredit: PA:Empics Sport

He scored the greatest goal nobody really saw…

It’s November 1985 and Liverpool are playing Manchester United at Anfield in a League Cup game.

There are over 41,000 fans packed inside Anfield but the game isn’t being televised because of a dispute over the the rights to the competition.

Molby picks up the ball inside his own half, and showing the pace of a man half his size, he powers past a handful of United players, driving deep into the opposition half.

17Molby was also partial to enjoying a pint in his downtimeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

When he reached the edge of the area he unleashes a shot that screams into the top corner, almost breaking the net.

Gary Bailey, the United keeper, still insists it was “the hardest shot he had ever faced.”

Molby had never seen the wonder goal again until then United manager Ron Atkinson located a copy for him via some police surveillance tapes.

But, thanks to the internet, there is a very rough clip of Molby’s mythical ‘lost’ goal on YouTube.

17He was a favourite among his teammates, here dressed in a toga for Liverpool’s Christmas party, with Bruce Grobelaar and Steve StauntonCredit: PA:Empics Sport

He did time at Her Majesty’s pleasure…

The Dane was jailed in 1988 when he tried to outrun the police in a BMW M3 he was driving for a friend on a night out.

Worse still, he had had a couple of pints and failed the subsequent breathalyser test.

Molby was sentenced to three months in prison in HMP Walton, then Kirkham and Preston for reckless driving.

17However, in 1988 he was jailed for reckless drivingCredit: PA:Press Association

Though there were calls for the club to release him, Liverpool stood by the player.

But there was some good news. After his spell inside, Molby came out looking leaner and fitter than he had in a long time.

The following season, he helped propel the Reds to their 18th league title.

He’s as Scouse as they come…

17In 2009 Molby was declared an Honorary Scouser by the city of LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

17Singing when their winning, Molby played in the all-conquering Liverpool side of the 80s and 90s.Credit: PA:Press Association

Well, sort of.

In 2009, Molby was one of 40 non-native people who given ‘Honorary Scouser’ status by the city of Liverpool.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Rotherham, described the award was to mark the contribution of those who “were tricked by fate into being born outside the city.”

He added: “Every single one of these individuals fully deserve this honour as they have all helped make Liverpool great and acted as tremendous ambassadors for the city.”

17All in all, Molby scored 62 times for the RedsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

17Somewhat surprisingly, Molby only played for Denmark 33 timesCredit: Getty – Contributor

17Molby developed a Scouse drawl after reportedly spending so much time with Sammy LeeCredit: Getty – Contributor

Though he was an accomplished English speaker when he arrived in the UK in 1984, Molby’s accent changed markedly when he moved to Merseyside.

In fact, he developed a strong Scouse drawl that was, reportedly, the result of spending so much time with his teammate Sammy Lee.

But did you know…

In Danish, his surname is actually pronoucned ‘Mol-boo’.

Which, presumably, makes it Peter Beardsloo too.