On this day (September 8) in 2001, new Liverpool signing Jerzy Dudek made a debut in Red.
The Polish stopper was unable to resist a 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa following an arrival from Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord.
Signed for £6.66million (Transfermarkt) by Gerard Houllier, alongside fellow ‘keeper Chris Kirkland, Dudek was facing major competition for the number one spot from the outset.
Twitter: #OnThisDay in 2001 Jerzy Dudek made his #LFC debut!
186 Games
77 Clean Sheets
1 League Cup
Now 48-years-old, Dudek was the hero on that famous night now dubbed the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ following a string of important saves at key times.
Amassing 186 appearances during a six-year stay on Merseyside, Liverpool’s ‘Pole in the Goal’ left as a free agent for Real Madrid in 2007.
As well as earning 60 Poland caps, Dudek lifted the UEFA Champions League, League Cup, FA Cup and La Liga trophy during a distinguished career at the top level.
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Signing two potentially number one goalkeepers on the same day was a bold move, to say the least.
Perhaps best and forever remembered for the exploits in the penalty shootout success over AC Milan in 2005, Dudek was a top-quality ‘keeper who often came up with big moments at Anfield.
Crazy antics, memorable shirts and wobbly legs to one side – Dudek will forever be an icon on Merseyside.
