5) Performance against Manchester United – 14th March 2009
The 2008-09 season saw Liverpool fall agonisingly short of capturing the Premier League title but one of the most memorable moments of that season was the 4-1 thumping of Manchester United at Old Trafford.
It was also the season in which Hyypia did not feature as much as previous seasons. Out of himself, Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher, he made the least amount of league appearances. But he was brought in for the match against the Reds’ arch-rivals.
His performance in that match is something that lives long in my memory. Up against a trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, Hyypia produced a commanding, composed performance snuffing out any threats.
A particular highlight of that match is when the Finn nonchalantly controlled a long, aerial ball over his head with his left foot; a touch that Ronaldinho would have been proud of.
4) Goal against Arsenal – 8th April 2008
It was the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Arsenal. The first leg finished 1-1 which meant the Anfield showdown was finely poised. Arsenal took the lead on the night through an Abou Diaby goal and Liverpool were on the back foot.
But then the Reds were awarded a corner. It was whipped in and Hyypia was tussling with his marker Philippe Senderos before finding space to place home a perfect header from a fair distance out.
Cesc Fabregas’ desperate lunge to clear it off the line made the goal even better. Liverpool went on to win the match 4-2 and 5-3 on aggregate.
3) Goal against Juventus – 5th April 2005
This was another fantastic European night at Anfield, this time against Italian giants Juventus. Liverpool took the lead through a fantastic volley from Luis Garcia and Hyypia doubled the lead soon after.
Gerrard’s corner was flicked on to Hyypia who approaching the back post, he connected with the ball sweetly to beat Buffon at his near post; finished like a proven striker.
Liverpool went on to win the match 2-1, and the rest was history.
2) Completing the treble against Alaves – 16th May 2001
Liverpool had already won the League Cup and the FA Cup prior to their UEFA Cup final against Deportivo Alaves. Hyypia captained the side in an entertaining match at the Westfalenstadion.
It was a match that swung back and forth and was finally decided in extra-time via the golden goal rule. The golden goal was an own goal by Alaves’ left-back Delfi Geli.
This meant that Liverpool completed a historic treble and a proud moment for Hyypia as he lifted the trophy.
1) Farewell – 24th May 2009
Towards the end of his Liverpool career, Hyypia rarely featured but when called upon, he maintained his high standards of defending.
His last match was against Tottenham Hotspur and the Anfield crowd symbolised their love for the player with a brilliant mosaic.
He fittingly came on as a sub for Steven Gerrard, and every time the ball went near him, the crowd cheered.
At the final whistle, an emotional Hyypia was reduced to tears before being hoisted up by his team mates.
