Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia knows the score when it comes to creating a successful title winning team.
Hyypia missed out on celebrating the Champions League win over Tottenham because he had to hop on a flight back to Finland but promised the Mirror he would be around to party if the Reds win the Premier League.
The Finnish defender was instrumental in helping Rafa Benitez’s team lift their European title and has aired his thoughts about the current crop of winners – including the short-lived spat between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
“I remember some sparks flying between players when I was at Anfield – and that’s only good for the team,” said Hyypia – who is dead right about players driving each other forward and demanding more from each other.
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He was one of the best bargains Liverpool have ever signed and turned into a brilliant defender for the club as he led the line in that uncompromising way.
Great, winning teams always need a strong spine and Virgil van Dijk has become that for Jurgen Klopp as Sami Hyypia was part of the spine of that fifth Champions League victory.
We all know Klopp is a great man manager and motivator and that’s something that shines through for the Fin. “Everyone wants to win together and what a great group Klopp has built with that dynamic,” he continued.
Despite having a strong squad, there are a few players who are left isolated with little chance of much football this season, but they refuse to rock the boat and there appears to be a massive buy-in from the whole team.
Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana are examples, but Klopp’s skills are such that it doesn’t seem to matter that much.
“I watch them and it seems they are having fun playing,” Hyypia carried on to say. And if there’s anything Sami wants to do now it’s have fun.
Hopefully the new party prince can get his wish and go dancing on the streets of Merseyside come May.