Sami Hyypia

[wiw]

Hm he already had that though? I don't know what it is exactly, I can't put my finger on it, but he just seems even better lately

[Charly]

Another player that Rafa has somehow made that slight bit better

How so?

I dont believe Rafa can claim to have made any players better, maybe Carra.

I reckon Rafa shackles some players.

Sami was unstoppable since he first joined.

[Joe King]

Hm he already had that though? I don't know what it is exactly, I can't put my finger on it, but he just seems even better lately

I felt especially under Houllier, he really didn't have the same ability to read the situation. He would step up too early consequently exposing the space behind him, misjudge through balls, not communicate enough. That has helped with Carragher being with him, especially the latter but he seems to have the ability to just scare, to use of a rubbish term, his opponents with his natural elegance in his heading and tackling.

[Reece]

How so?

I dont believe Rafa can claim to have made any players better, maybe Carra.

I reckon Rafa shackles some players.

Gerrard has become almost unstoppable since Rafa has moved him into an advanced role. Torres has become the best striker in the world since joining. Players like Agger and Skrtel have improved into top class centre backs. Reina has become one of the best keepers in the world etc etc. But other that I completely agree with you.

[wiw]

How so?

I dont believe Rafa can claim to have made any players better, maybe Carra.

I reckon Rafa shackles some players.

Sami was unstoppable since he first joined.

Perhaps not in natural ability but that's not easy is it, but I think he has made better team players and more effective players of a lot of our team. I agree, Sami has always been awesome, like I said, I can't put my finger on it but I think he's slightly better

Gerrard - more tactically aware, smarter player, better mentality
Carragher - moved him to a slightly higher level, now the defence leader
Torres - wasn't the goalscorer at Atletico that he is now. He's played to his strengths by teaching him positioning and playing him off the line of the defence
Alonso - without question
Lucas - taught him the defensive side of things
Mascherano - was brilliant anyway but I think he's onto another level

etc etc

Players always say they're learning from Rafa constantly, I don't think it's up for debate?

[Reece]

I felt especially under Houllier, he really didn't have the same ability to read the situation.

Rubbish. Watch the Uefa semi final against Barca in 2001 again.

[Guest]

IIRC the Sky commentator said something about him having an edgy moment or something then

I think you were pissed.

[Kinell]

I would love to see him stick around for one more season

Would much prefer to Agger stick around for a fair few more seasons though.

[Guest]

I would love to see him stick around for one more season

Hey mate, love your avatar. I remember that goal as if it was yesterday. What a goal! Robbie was a real genius eh?

[dww]

I think Benitez has made him an even better player. He comes in and does a stellar job, doesn't look out of place. What Benitez has taught him about defending especially is that you don't necessarily need pace as long as you are able to read the game better than your opponent, he did that well today.

I'm not sure that was a lesson Rafa taught him. He has however made him more aware of what to do with the ball when he wins it. Not a dissimilar improvement to that made by Wenger to Adams.

He had a splendid game at OT however he learned his trade.

[bobbyfallon]

two years ago i wanted sami out as he had gotten so slow.

i was wrong and the man oozes class, another great professional performance yet again

[Craig_H]

Superb performance yesterday, MOTM.

He brings a wonderful sense of calm to the defence and you know you can rely on him.

Love the bloke, amazing service to the club and he just keeps going. Plus, he's a lovely fella too.

[Shaggy]

Gerrard has become almost unstoppable since Rafa has moved him into an advanced role. Torres has become the best striker in the world since joining. Players like Agger and Skrtel have improved into top class centre backs. Reina has become one of the best keepers in the world etc etc. But other that I completely agree with you.

pwn3d

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

Hey mate, love your avatar. I remember that goal as if it was yesterday. What a goal! Robbie was a real genius eh?

Yeah me too, best fowler goal for me, just always comes to mind when I think of him!