Sami Hyypia - Goodbye old friend

Discussion in 'Association Football Discussion' started by mouse, May 23, 2009.

  1. mouse MJ Edwards

    IT’S a day etched in my memory. October 4th, 1998. That afternoon Liverpool were entertaining a Chelsea side overflowing with foreign flair. One would have thought such attacking elegance would be complimented adeptly by the likes of Fowler, Owen, Redknapp and Berger. Instead, these two perennial underachievers played out a dross filled draw.
    This otherwise unforgettable game however is remembered for a dash of comedy which transpired after 10 minutes. A raking 50-yard pass from Roberto Di Matteo split the reds defence and enabled fellow countryman Pierluigi Casiraghi to round David James and slide home the simplest of goals at the Anfield Road end. As the classy Italian wheeled away in celebration a hapless Phil Babb was seen hurtling post-wards, his testicles as exposed as his sides backline. Whilst many a man would squeal in sympathy when reviewing such an incident I can’t help but smirk.
    Phil Babb - the scourge of my childhood. To say this Irish international was prone to the odd mistake is to say the Sahara has a little sand. A decent World Cup in 1994 somehow earned him a transfer to England’s biggest club, from whence he proceeded to undo so many title challenges. For all their mesmerising forward play, Liverpool could never overhaul Manchester United throughout the 90s due to their sheer incompetence at the back. Babb, along with fellow circus-acts John Scales, Neil Ruddock and Bjorn Tore Kvarme conversed to wreck season after season with dire errors when it mattered most. Call me heartless but I still laugh when I see that crotch-post union. At that moment he felt just some of the pain he’d inflicted on me those past five years.
    Evident was a desperate need for someone, anyone with half their wits about them to sort this defensive calamity. Eight months later our prayers were answered, not that we would have guessed. When Sami Hyypia arrived from Willem II in summer 1999 he was hardly a household name. Indeed, he was actually seen as the understudy to newly signed Stephane Henchoz - our real saviour. Within weeks though seasoned Kopites would discover both had great credence and offered hope of an organised rearguard.
    Before long Liverpool could boast the most dependable defence in the land, perhaps Europe. Big Sami, accompanied by Henchoz, Markus Babbel and the emerging Jamie Carrgher could shut-out the very best. Barcelona, Roma, United - nobody could crack the code to this superb quartet. When they did, Henchoz was usually on standby to handle, quite literally, the inevitable. Impregnable doesn’t suffice. It was from that bedrock that Gerard Houllier built his treble winning side. Confident in those behind them, the Reds counter-attacked with devastating effect, Owen and Gerrard amongst the beneficiaries.
    Our Big Finn’s qualities were seemingly endless. Aerially he is a colossus, dominating in both his and the opposition penalty area. Though never the quickest he can read the game better than anyone. His anticipation of danger to this day remains shaper than a steal-blade knife. In possession he is always calm. Then there are his goals, which make no mistake, will be a huge loss. He’s struck 35 times in all, most of them memorably.
    That stunning volley against Juventus en route to Istanbul still triggers the hairs on the back of the neck to rise. Many forget he had actually been dropped by Rafa Benitez for the two games beforehand, Mauricio Pellegrino inexplicably dislodging him.
    That was another interesting facet of Hyypia’s Anfield tenure. Many pretenders have come and gone, none ever truly dislodging him. Think Pellegrino, think Biscan, Xavier, Paeletta, Hobbs, Traore (I know it’s difficult but do grim and bear it), even Agger and Skrtel - neither totally exiling this loyal servant.
    On the theme of goals, last season’s precise header against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter final truly dragged Liverpool back into the contest. Before that point we had hardly seen the ball, were a goal down and heading for a definite exit.
    I was there for the last gasp winner against Wolves. In terms of significance that strike is outweighed by the aforementioned but at the time we were chasing fourth, proof he has endured both the rough and smooth.
    There are indeed too many to mention, a controlled volley at home to United, the winner in Auxerre, another quarter final strike against his future team, Leverkusen…
    Ten years service evokes such vivid stories. I’ll always remember the game against Wigan at home when he was forced to leave the pitch to receive multiple stitches to a head wound. After a five minute absence he emerged from the changing rooms, galloped onto the turf and immediately won a clearing header, his temple masked in bandages.
    Quite simply, Hyypia has never let Liverpool down. What better case in point than in the Lions’ Den two months back, when called into the side due to a late injury. Lesser men would have frozen in such trying circumstances, not our Sami. He bossed that defence, marginalising Rooney and co and thus allowing his team-mates to staple an almighty victory.
    That day showcased how much of a team player Hyypia is and always has been. Though viewing the decision to give Steven Gerrard club captaincy as destiny, I, along with fellow supporters felt desperately sorry for the big man. Rather than groan he simply upped his game however, instrumental in the resurgence of the side under Benitez and leading by example all the way to Istanbul. But that’s Sami, a professional until the end.
    It is no exaggeration to say he has proven the club’s greatest ever foreign buy, and for just £2.5 million! History will rank such a purchase alongside the signing of Dalglish for £550,000.
    He will go down as one of the finest footballers to adorn the red shirt, his place in history cemented alongside Hansen, Yeats, Smith and Thompson. The only black spot on his CV is the absence of a title medal, but nobody has given more to that torturous bid than himself.
    When news broke that Hyypia had agreed to join Bayer Leverkusen I stopped in my tracks. I harked back to my youth and those fruitless title charges, realising I’d shared almost all of my favourite memories as a fan with Sami. I’ve grown up with him.
    When taking my place on the Kop I’ve always expected to see that blonde mop out there marshalling whatever back four selected. I’ve always expected that guilty smile to manifest when he’s chopped someone a little too fast for him. I’ve always expected at least a dozen headed clearances a game. Most of all I’ve always felt safe. Safe in the knowledge that our defence is solid and containing no trace of Phil Babb!
    Sunday will be a sad day for me personally. It will be an afternoon for the hardest of Kopites to shed of a tear or two. No, not in light of another trophy-less season but the exit of someone who’s simply become part of the furniture.
    “I won’t like being the centre of attention, not at all. But in this case I have no choice.â€
    Sami Hyypia - Legend
    [​IMG]Written by Aaron Cutler

    http://www.thisisanfield.com/columnists/2009/05/sami-hyypia-goodbye-old-friend/

    Sami will always be 1 of my favourite ever Liverpool player. The man is a Liverpool legend.

    1 of my favourite moments of Sami career is when he scored THAT volley against Juventus in the champions league semi-final. I've never seen him volley a ball better and it's was his left foot. Also this header against Arsenal in the Champions league final.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE6toMwtRWw
    brilliant header

    best of Sami
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CkzhRZ8XSY&feature=related

    the Juventus goal is 3 mins in
     
  2. deadlydemon TJL Webber

    One less ****. Woot. :p
     
  3. chris473 CJ Devonshire

    :lol: what a load of shit. If there defence was so good where is your PL title?
     
  4. mouse MJ Edwards

    that season when we won 5 trophies we had the best defensive record. so **** you. Sami is a legend

    we may not had won any pl title but that's not because of our defence
     
  5. chris473 CJ Devonshire

    5 trophies? :lol: wtf you can only win a max of 6.
     
  6. mouse MJ Edwards

    shows how much you know about football

    in 2001 we won

    league cup, UEFA cup, FA cup, Super cup and community shield
     
  7. chris473 CJ Devonshire

    In that year you won 5 trophies not season douchebag.
     
  8. mouse MJ Edwards

    i made the mistake in my 1st post but check my 2nd post u douchebag.

    i clearly say in 2001
     
  9. mouse MJ Edwards

    Hyypia hails Liverpool progress

    Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia says he will be leaving behind a club that has improved dramatically in the last 10 years when he joins Bayer Leverkusen. The 35-year-old leaves Anfield this summer after a successful decade in which he has won numerous trophies, including the Champions League in 2005.
    "It will only be after I've left I'll be able to sit back and realise what we've done in my 10 years," he said
    "It is hard to take in now. It is nice to be remembered here."
    Hyypia, who joined Liverpool from Dutch side Willem II in 1999 for £2.5m, is expected to make his 464th appearance for Liverpool in their final game of the season, at home to Tottenham on Sunday.
    [​IMG]
    He certainly deserves legendary status and he is definitely one of the best players I have ever played alongside.



    Steven Gerrard


    As well as the Champions League, the former club captain has also won the Uefa Cup during his time on Merseyside, as well winning the European Super Cup in 2001 and 2005, the FA Cup in 2001 and 2006 and League Cup in 2001 and 2003.
    However, Hyypia admits he will leave the club regretting that was never part of a Premier League-winning side - and he reflected on this season where they came agonisingly close to dethroning Manchester United.
    "The only thing that bothers me is that I will leave Liverpool without a Premier League medal, that disappoints me as much for the fans but the club will do it soon," he said.
    "This season has shown that we can push any team right to the end. Everything looks very bright for next season, and hopefully the team can move their confidence up another level."
    The Finland international also stated a desire to return to Liverpool in a coaching capacity in the future, something current Reds boss Rafa Benitez would encourage.
    [​IMG]606: DEBATE

    Big Sami will be sorely missed. I so hope he comes back as a coach after his two years in the Bundesliga.



    AK40JAMMYLFC


    "I would like to come back to Liverpool one day as a coach, and it was great to hear the manager would like me to return.
    "At the end of my playing career I will look to take the badges and then see (what happens). I have so many memories of Liverpool, and really would love to return one day."
    Benitez revealed that he had tried to keep Hyypia on a player-coach contract beyond the end of this season.
    "Sami is so important that we talked about him becoming a member of the coaching staff in the future," he said.
    "But he thought he could play more and wants to be involved in the first team.
    "The fact that we were talking to him about becoming a coach shows how much we think of him, he is a perfect professional.
    Steven Gerrard, who took over the Liverpool captaincy from Hyypia, also praised the central defender.
    "It's difficult to put into words how we feel about Sami. He's been fantastic for us, a colossus," said Gerrard.
    "He certainly deserves legendary status and he is definitely one of the best players I have ever played alongside."

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8064895.stm
     
  10. rolande RE Hallett

    Hyypia has served us well. He has been a great player, and although towards the end of his career has lost that touch of pace, he still has had the skill to step up to premier league level. Hope he does well in the Bundesliga.
     
  11. mouse MJ Edwards

    2bh he never really had pace. he had the great ability to read the game. he will be excellent in the Bundesliga and i'll be looking at how he is performing time to time
     
  12. mouse MJ Edwards

    Xabi Alonso has described Sami Hyypia as the "perfect example" to other footballers ahead of the evergreen defender's Liverpool send-off against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The big Finn will part company with the Reds this summer after agreeing to join German club Bayer Leverkusen on a two-year deal.

    Alonso admits he will be sad to see the 35-year-old leave Anfield, but is understanding of Hyypia's decision to move to pastures new.

    "I understand why Sami is leaving," Alonso told LFC Magazine.

    "Sami has got a competitive mind. He wants to be involved and be part of the first XI wherever he is. He will probably have more chance of playing regularly at Bayer Leverkusen.

    "Saying that, I could have seen him remaining with us too. But it is his decision and we have to respect it.

    "As long as he is happy with his decision I am happy for him."

    Hyypia took the Spain international under his wing when the midfielder moved to Liverpool from Real Sociedad in 2004, with the duo often rooming together on away trips.

    Therefore, Alonso has firsthand experience of why the centre-back is so revered both on and off the pitch at Anfield.

    "I was Sami's room-mate for my first four years at Liverpool," said the Reds' number 14.

    "He has been a good performer on the pitch and also off it. His attitude is always to be totally respectful and honest with everyone. I like this way.

    "He has been a great player, a great person and a great servant to the club.

    "Sami has been the perfect example and also a fantastic Liverpool player. Because of that, all the players here have a great affection for him. His attitude and honesty have always stood out.

    "He is always in a good mood around the place. Sami is the model professional and will be remembered for years by the fans, players and staff alike."

    Alonso is confident Hyypia will be a big success in the Bundesliga, adding: "Whenever he has played this season he has done very well.

    "Whenever he was needed he was there. His level of performance has always been very good. That is what you can expect from a model professional, as Sami is.

    "I can see him playing very well in Germany. I'm sure he will do very well there. We will have to keep an eye on Bayern Leverkusen's results next season."

    http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164495090523-0911.htm
     
  13. Marto RK Fittaman

    Long Live Big Sami Hyypia. Gonna miss ya mate. Thanks for the memories and goodluck for the future.
     
  14. mouse MJ Edwards

    Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia is set to play his final game for the club this weekend after ten years of loyal service with the Merseysiders – although the 35-year-old says he is planning to return to Anfield as a coach when he finally hangs up his boots.

    The Finnish international defender has been one of the most successful overseas signings in the history of the Premier League, following his arrival from Dutch outfit Willem 11 for a bargain £2.5 million in1999, but he has agreed a two-year deal to join German side Bayer Leverkusen in search of more regular first team football.

    But he leaves Liverpool with only fond memories and revealed that manager Rafa Benitez has already given him an invitation to return to join the coaching staff in the future.

    “I’d like to come back to Liverpool one day as a coach and it was great to hear the manager would like me to return,” said Hyypia.

    “Coaching has always been in my mind but I have to take my badges first. I haven’t done that yet because I want to keep playing, and I thought at this stage it would be a burden.

    “But at the end of my career I’ll look to take my badges and then see. I’ve had so many memories at Liverpool and really would love to return one day.”

    http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/ill-be-back-says-liverpool-favourite
     
  15. Sik_Slogga SLO Graham

    Lol MouseOwned :p

    Good writeup mate :)
     
  16. mouse MJ Edwards

  17. Eds E Ames

    LFC Legend. Carried us through many hard times and him and Carragher in their prime, I would prefer to Ferdinand and Vidic atm.
     
  18. mouse MJ Edwards

    Hyypia in his prime was amazing. I still think our best defence was in 2001

    Babbel at RB, Hyypia and Henchoz at CB and Carra at LB

    Hyypia and Henchoz was in their prime
    Babbel just a year past his prime
    Carra just showing some promise has a defender

    awesome!
     
  19. Eds E Ames

    I always hated Henchoz tbh. Dunno if it was his name, or his hair, or his terrible own goal against Blackburn. I just hated him.
     
  20. Sik_Slogga SLO Graham

    Ever remember Djimi Traore :p
    You sold us to Charlton and he was absolute rubbish at us!!

    Im really hoping you reply something like, he was way past his prime or something becuase he was truelly League 1 standared!!
     

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