Sami Hyypiä is one of the finest centrebacks ever to wear a red shirt. Two FA Cups, two League Cups, a Champions League and a UEFA Cup; 464 appearances and 35 goals; 10 years of service – the numbers speak for themselves.

Sami was an instant hit at Anfield, quickly forming an unbreakable centre-back partnership with Stéphane Henchoz that provided the foundation for the many successes under Gérard Houllier.

But no matter who was alongside him at the heart of defence – be it Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Martin Škrtel or whoever – the Finn was a calm, solid presence in the back four from his first day with the club to his last.

Selfless, respectful and a world-class footballer to boot – that is the Sami Hyypiä that Kopites remember.