Past playersSami Hyypia

Robust and powerful, dominant in the aerial challenge and a consummate reader of the game, the centre-back was an efficient footballer at the same time – comfortable in possession and a threat in the opposition penalty area.

Hyypia was recruited by Gerard Houllier as the Frenchman's Anfield rebuilding programme kicked into gear, and was paired with Stephane Henchoz at the middle of the Liverpool defence. Both moves were among the manager's best decisions.

Ever-present in the league throughout his opening campaign and providing a new stability to the back line, his leadership earned him the captain's armband on a regular basis in the absence of Jamie Redknapp at the turn of the century.

The defender racked up 58 appearances during 2000-01 and offered a massive contribution as the Reds lifted three trophies in a single season – League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup. Hyypia jointly lifted each of the latter two prizes.

When Redknapp left Anfield, Houllier appointed the Finn as permanent skipper and he was the man charged with collecting the trophy when the Reds tasted success in the League Cup once again in 2003, with Manchester United the beaten finalists in Cardiff.

Hyypia sacrificed the captaincy to the emerging Steven Gerrard later that year but his importance to Liverpool remained intact as Houllier handed the managerial reins to Rafael Benitez. He would have a new defensive partner, too.

After years at full-back, Benitez immediately switched Jamie Carragher to central defence and the No.23 quickly formed an even more dependable relationship with the blonde-haired Hyypia at the foundation of the Spaniard's team.

The pair were nothing short of heroic during the Reds' journey to the 2005 Champions League final, while Hyypia produced an unforgettable moment with a smashed volley in the quarter-final first leg against Juventus at Anfield.

Despite the chaos of the opening 45 minutes in Istanbul, the duo recovered to keep AC Milan at bay after Liverpool mounted a sensational comeback to claim a fifth European Cup in the most dramatic of circumstances.

A year later, Hyypia played the full 120 minutes and attempted a spot-kick in the penalty shootout as Benitez's side saw off West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final. It was his eighth and final major trophy with the club.

Hyypia's appearances dwindled to a degree with the additions of Daniel Agger and later Martin Skrtel, but maintained his high standards whenever called upon.

And when the big centre-back played his final game for the Reds, in May 2009, the Kop paid tribute with a mosaic and reception that reduced him to tears.