Upon arrival at Liverpool Hyypiä immediately formed a successful central defensive partnership with Stéphane Henchoz. In the 2000 – 2001 season Hyypiä shared the captaincy of Liverpool with Robbie Fowler while Jamie Redknapp, the full-time captain, was suffering from a long-term injury. During that season, Hyypiä and Fowler lead the team to a historic cup treble: the Worthington Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.
In 2002, Hyypiä became the full-time Liverpool captain after Redknapp, who had been blighted by long-term injuries, left the club. However after such a bright start to his Liverpool career came a relative lull and in 2003 Hyypiä was replaced as Liverpool captain by Steven Gerrard.
In 2004 new Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez moved Jamie Carragher from fullback to partner Hyypiä in central defence. This seemingly reinvigorated Hyypiä and the team went on to have a successful season, winning the UEFA Champions League, on the back of their solid defence.
As of 2005, he has seemingly been relegated to third-choice captain after Jamie Carragher’s ascent as Gerrard’s deputy on the field. Hyypiä has made over 390 appearances for Liverpool, and has also scored over 20 goals in the process. He has climbed into the top 25 in the club’s all-time appearances table after featuring in the Carling Cup against Arsenal in 2007. On 10 August, 2005 it was reported that Hyypiä had agreed to a new three-year contract after weeks of talks with the Reds which will keep him at Anfield until 2008.
- RMP, April 2007
Season-by-Season Bio
Season 2002-03
It was an uncharacteristically average season for the Reds captain. A virtual ever present, he was not as commanding as in previous years and prone to odd lapses of concentration. However, he was without his regular partner for much of the campaign and the burden of helping Djimi Traore along may have weighed down on him. He was also troubled by the ever changing back four at the start and hopefully will be back to his best once we have a stable defence again next season.
Season 2001-02
To be added
Season 2000/01
Hyypia was exceptional at the back for another season with the reds. His amazing last ditch tackles and long balls not only stopped the goals, but set up many as well.
Hyypia worked well with his central defensive partner Stephane Henchoz and looked strong all season. The Finn’s highlight was helping the reds to the FA Cup with three goal-line clearances in the Cup final victory over Arsenal in May.
Player Stats