Michael Owen's Surprising Choice for the Most Underrated Player

When Liverpool supporters hear the name Michael Owen, it often stirs mixed emotions. Some fans have forgotten him after his switch to arch-rivals Manchester United, while others cherish the memories of his illustrious days at Anfield. Regardless of the divided opinions, one thing is clear: Owen was a phenomenal striker whose potential was hampered by injuries.

A Future Star Amidst Legends

Throughout his career, Owen rubbed shoulders with football icons like Steven Gerrard and Zinedine Zidane. Despite sharing the pitch with the best, Owen fondly recalled a teammate he believes deserves far more recognition—Sami Hyypia. In an interview with Canal Plus Poland, he boldly stated, "That I played with, Sami Hyypia," when asked who he considered the most underrated player of all time.

Sami Hyypia: A Defensive Legend

Hyypia’s tenure at Liverpool, which lasted over a decade, saw him become one of the club’s most reliable centre-backs. Joining from Willem II in May 1999, the Finnish international made an astonishing 464 appearances. During his time at the club, he celebrated success with 10 major trophies, including two FA Cups, a Champions League title, and two League Cups.

A Legendary Partnership

The formidable center-back formed an iconic partnership with Jamie Carragher, often deemed one of the best defensive duos in club history. Hyypia's knack for scoring, especially from set-pieces, added to his value, netting 35 times during his career.

A Hero to Many, Yet Underrated

Though Hyypia will always hold a hero's status among Liverpool fans, the general perception often falls short compared to his contemporaries. It seems unjust that such a talented player is not celebrated as he should be, especially considering the high praise he garners from his former teammates.