@HenryJackson87
Sami Hyypia’s reputation as a Liverpool legend is undeniable, following a decade-long spell at Anfield that proved to be remarkable value for money.
When you think back to the 1990s, the one thing that summed up the Reds’ shortcomings was a leaky back line.
While Man United were running away with title after title, individuals such as Phil Babb, John Scales and Neil Ruddock, among others, didn’t cut the mustard.
When Gerard Houllier took sole charge of Liverpool in 1999, he realised the importance of acquiring a top-class centre-back – what happened next altered Reds history for the better.
Treble memories: How Houllier s trophy-winning squad was built
Chris Shaw Gerard Houllier s Liverpool project was almost two years in the making at the outset of what would prove to be an historic 2000-01 season.
The Frenchman had taken sole charge of the Reds in November 1998 and steadily set about moulding a squad that combined local talent and passion with European pedigree.
“He always said he wanted a Liverpool heart at the core of Liverpool Football Club,” explained Houllier’s assistant manager, Phil Thompson.
“That’s what he’d known of before. That’s what he envisaged his team to go ahead. He wanted a younger team; he wanted to change it and have a young, vibrant team who could compete and sort of take on the bigger boys.”