Michael Owen, a name synonymous with Premier League brilliance, has singled out a former teammate he believes is criminally overlooked. While his own career sparkled with goals for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and England, Owen insists one player consistently escapes recognition when discussing the league’s all-time greats.
That player is Sami Hyypia, the imposing Finnish center-back who anchored Liverpool’s defense for a decade. Arriving at Anfield for a modest £2.5 million, Hyypia quickly established himself as a leader, often captaining the side and embodying a newfound resilience.
Owen recalls a consistent absence of Hyypia’s name in conversations about legendary defenders. He describes Hyypia as “exceptional,” highlighting subtle qualities often missed by casual observers, yet crucial to Liverpool’s success. He believes Hyypia’s impact was profoundly underrated.
Hyypia’s decade at Liverpool yielded a remarkable trophy haul, including a memorable cup treble in 2001 and, most famously, the unforgettable Champions League triumph of 2005. He was a cornerstone of a team that transformed from a struggling side to European champions.
The transformation wasn’t merely about silverware. Jamie Carragher, Hyypia’s long-time defensive partner, argues Hyypia was the club’s best-ever Premier League signing. He points to how Hyypia fundamentally altered Liverpool’s character, turning them from a “soft touch” into a physically and mentally formidable force.
Carragher emphasizes that the success enjoyed under Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez was built on a solid defensive foundation, and that foundation began with Hyypia’s arrival. His consistency – rarely injured and delivering ten years of service – combined with his trophy-winning contributions, makes a compelling case for his legendary status.
While acknowledging the impact of more recent stars like Virgil van Dijk, Carragher stresses that Hyypia arrived at Anfield virtually unknown, yet his influence was “instrumental.” He was a transformative figure, arriving with a minimal price tag and delivering outsized results.
Hyypia’s accolades extend beyond team trophies. He was twice named in the PFA Team of the Year and remarkably, was crowned Finland’s Footballer of the Year an astounding ten times throughout his career, a testament to his sustained excellence.
Though offered a coaching role upon his playing retirement, Hyypia ultimately chose a move to Bayer Leverkusen, always maintaining a deep affection for Anfield and hinting at a potential return. His legacy, however, remains firmly etched in Liverpool folklore.
