Liverpool icon Vladimir Smicer believes Dietmar Hamann was the underappreciated hero of Liverpool's Champions League-winning side in 2005.
The Reds famously recovered from 3-0 down at half-time to beat AC Milan - arguably the best team in Europe - on penalties in Istanbul and win their fifth European Cup. Captain Steven Gerrard was named Man of the Match by UEFA for his inspirational display.
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was also praised for making a string of stunning saves - including some in the shootout - while Smicer was lauded for scoring Liverpool's second goal and what turned out to be the winning penalty.
Few talk about Hamann's role in the final, something that baffles Smicer. Hamann, who won nine trophies during a seven-year spell at Anfield, was brought on at half-time and helped Liverpool recover to 3-3 before scoring their first penalty in the shootout.
"Sometimes Didi wasn’t appreciated by the fans, but what he did was keep the balance in our side, like what Fabinho does currently," said Smicer, speaking on behalf of 888sport. "I think Fabinho is fantastic, but for our team Didi Hamann had that role.
"He always kept the balance in our side, he came on as sub in the second half of the 2005 Champions League final and he showed up. He matched up against Kaka and stopped him playing which was key to helping us win that final."
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Smicer, who joined Liverpool in 1999 and won six trophies, was told by Rafa Benitez he was being released after the Champions League final against Milan. He was brought on in the 23rd minute following an injury to Harry Kewell, allowing him to sign off in style.
"We made a couple of mistakes in the first half, but we did not deserve to be 3-0 down," added Smicer. "When I got back to the dressing room everyone was speechless, nobody was talking, we felt that this could be our only chance in some of our careers to win the Champions League, we prepared for the game for 10 days and conceded after 60 seconds, so it was tough.
"Rafa Benitez gave us 5 minutes to cool off and then he spoke to us. Everything he told us in that dressing room at half-time happened in the second half. It was a masterpiece. He told us that we are going to change the system to a 3-5-2.
"[John Arne] Risse will be on the left, and I will be on the right side, I had never played that position in my life, but it did not matter. Rafa also put Steven Gerrard upfront, so he could be in the box and so we could put more crosses in.
"Straightaway from a cross in the second half Stevie scored. Rafa also told us to shoot from distance if we had a chance. I then took a chance, and it went in, just like that it is 3-2. I do not know how Benitez saw it, but everything he said happened."
Vladimir Smicer, was speaking on behalf of 888sport. Head to 888sport for the latest Premier League odds.
