Dietmar Hamann says Liverpool had a player who was better than Steven Gerrard in Istanbul comeback

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19 years on, and Liverpool’s comeback victory in the 2005 Champions League final still evokes great emotion amongst those who witnessed it.

As a final, it’s surely unlikely to ever be topped. For Liverpool supporters and players, it remains the pinnacle of pinnacles. Frankly, we’ll never tire of hearing about the legends of Istanbul. And for that reason, it was great to hear one of those legends – Dietmar Hamann – speak about it today.

Appearing on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Hamann made a surprising claim about one of the lesser-heralded Reds players of that magical evening – left-back Djimi Traore.

“People always say Djimi Traore, how can he play for Liverpool?” mused the German. “Djimi was in the shower [at half-time] and you are 3-0 down, the manager says you are coming off and he could have taken anybody off. If you go in the shower at 3-0 down, if it was me I would have said thanks for that! As the game has finished anyway.

“Now the guy is in the shower and two minutes later someone comes in and says you have to carry on. Now once you have finished mentally in the game to get back into the zone and focus again is near enough impossible.

“Djimi played as well as anyone in the second half. I always say my hero, the reason we won the Champions League, it’s not me or Steven Gerrard. It’s Djimi Traore.”

Hamann hails Traore

This is nice to hear from Hamann and it’s completely warranted. Traore is often overlooked as a bit of a joke figure because, let’s face it, he wasn’t the best left-back Liverpool have ever had.

But the Malian was absolutely phenomenal in the second-half against AC Milan. He’ll forever be remembered in particular for a block on the line to stop Andriy Shevchenko scoring and keeping it at 3-3.

Ragged as they were, there’s no way Liverpool would have come back again had Milan gone back in front.

Of course, Traore was marshalled by the brilliant Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia, who had the game of their lives for the Reds.

Jerzy Dudek behind him was also having a ridiculously good game and eventually pulled off one of the best saves of all time.

But nevertheless, Traore was still a big part of the reason Liverpool stood firm in the second-half and through extra time.

Having been initially slated to come off for Hamann at half-time, it was a monumental effort for the then 25-year-old to get his mindset right to get back out there again.

In the years since, Traore has always been a supporter of the club from afar. He always speaks well of Liverpool and we love him for it.

Although he won’t say it, Hamann also deserves a special mention here. His introduction at half-time was a big turning point in the game. But, finally, it’s nice for Djimi to get his moment in the sun. Right, excuse us, we’re off to watch that game back. What a night.