As we continue to reflect on Sami Hyypia's Liverpool career, we spoke to a young Finn with high hopes of a red future about what it would mean to follow in the footsteps of one of his country's sporting greats.
As a Finnish player looking to make the grade at Anfield, what kind of achievement is it for Sami Hyypia to bring his Reds career to a close after 10 years at the top?
It's a massive achievement for Sami to have been at Anfield for a decade. Not many players can say that they have played at such a high level for such a big club over so many years. He deserves all the credit he gets.
Is he someone you have looked up to as a role model?
Yes. He is obviously a role model for me. His attitude is excellent and I think he is very professional. There aren't many Finnish players that have played for a top club like Liverpool.
Was the fact he was at Liverpool one of the reasons behind you joining the club?
Well one of the main reasons I chose to come here was because of the training facilities. They are very impressive. All the people were very friendly too, but it would be fair to say it helped my decision that Sami was here. I spoke with him and he only had good things to say about the club.
So you actually spoke to Sami before you signed? Has he been a friend for a while then?
Yes. He is a good friend. We go out sometimes and keep in touch on the phone. The best piece of advice he has given me is to keep my feet on the ground and work hard.
The Academy occasionally play practice matches with the first-team at Melwood. Did you ever go head-to-head with Sami?
(Laughs). No not really. We usually go up there during the international break and he was always away with Finland. I have had the chance to play against Jamie (Carragher) though, and it's great to test yourself against such fantastic players.
From a striker's point-of-view, what do you think made Sami such a great defender over the years?
He is very confident. He is a great tackler and can pass the ball both short and long without a problem. His main strength is probably that he wins almost everything in the air and he also has great positional sense.
What do you regard as Hyypia's best moment at Liverpool?
That's easy... Istanbul. For a Finnish player to win club football's biggest prize, in such a way, is amazing.
What did Sami's presence at Anfield do for the popularity of Liverpool FC in Finland?
It has done a lot. There aren't many Finnish players who are playing for such a big club, so when you mention Sami's name they always think of Liverpool next. It was the same with Jari Litmanen too. He was a top player.
Finally, what would it mean to you, to follow in his footsteps and be the next Finn to make it big at Anfield?
That would be amazing for me. It would be like a dream come true.
It's a massive achievement for Sami to have been at Anfield for a decade. Not many players can say that they have played at such a high level for such a big club over so many years. He deserves all the credit he gets.
Is he someone you have looked up to as a role model?
Yes. He is obviously a role model for me. His attitude is excellent and I think he is very professional. There aren't many Finnish players that have played for a top club like Liverpool.
Was the fact he was at Liverpool one of the reasons behind you joining the club?
Well one of the main reasons I chose to come here was because of the training facilities. They are very impressive. All the people were very friendly too, but it would be fair to say it helped my decision that Sami was here. I spoke with him and he only had good things to say about the club.
So you actually spoke to Sami before you signed? Has he been a friend for a while then?
Yes. He is a good friend. We go out sometimes and keep in touch on the phone. The best piece of advice he has given me is to keep my feet on the ground and work hard.
The Academy occasionally play practice matches with the first-team at Melwood. Did you ever go head-to-head with Sami?
(Laughs). No not really. We usually go up there during the international break and he was always away with Finland. I have had the chance to play against Jamie (Carragher) though, and it's great to test yourself against such fantastic players.
From a striker's point-of-view, what do you think made Sami such a great defender over the years?
He is very confident. He is a great tackler and can pass the ball both short and long without a problem. His main strength is probably that he wins almost everything in the air and he also has great positional sense.
What do you regard as Hyypia's best moment at Liverpool?
That's easy... Istanbul. For a Finnish player to win club football's biggest prize, in such a way, is amazing.
What did Sami's presence at Anfield do for the popularity of Liverpool FC in Finland?
It has done a lot. There aren't many Finnish players who are playing for such a big club, so when you mention Sami's name they always think of Liverpool next. It was the same with Jari Litmanen too. He was a top player.
Finally, what would it mean to you, to follow in his footsteps and be the next Finn to make it big at Anfield?
That would be amazing for me. It would be like a dream come true.
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