Hamann had always been underrated. I would go as far as saying
had Liverpool not brought him on for the finals at Istanbul and
Cardiff, we would have kissed those trophies goodbye. He was the
man who freed Gerrard up. And to me, he is a footballer's
footballer. No showboating, nothing glamorous about him. But he
works hard, gives his all in every game and is one the best passers
of the ball. In my book, this unsung hero is one of the best
holding midfielders in the world.
But Rafael Benitez knows that to give him a regular place in the
first XI would mean that younger, up and coming players like
Sissoko might have to be sidelined. Hamann is 33, and no doubt age
has caught up with him. I am positive Benitez recognizes him as one
of the best players in the squad but alas for the future of the
squad, he knows he cannot rely on Hamann for even the short-term
future and therefore has to shift the spotlight on fresh young
talent to take over the holding roles.
Whether he stays for another year or keaves for another club during
the transfer opening, I'm not too sure. He knows in his heart that
he has to make way for young blood.
Cheers to one of my favourite players in the English Premier
League.
