Peter Talbot: The Importance Of Hamann

Didi has been playing out his skin recently

But another player who is, in some ways, just as important to the team as Michael, has been linked with a move away from Anfield recently.

Dietmar Hamann has become an integral part of the team over the last 12 months or so. His consistency has been vital over the last few months, and without him Liverpool may not have had the success they have enjoyed recently.

We all know that the defensive part of Liverpool's game has been criticised lately but as we all know, that style of play has been hugely successful for us. Hamann's role has allowed Liverpool to play this way.

This so often unsung role takes great pressure off Hyypia and Henchoz in the defence, but not only that, it allows Steven Gerrard to accommodate a much more attacking role, which suits him so much better.

Not only does Hamann's presence help the defence, but also Liverpool look much more comfortable offensively with Gerrard able to get forward and help the attacks.

Another tackle won

It was no coincidence that whilst Hamann was serving a three match suspension earlier this season that Liverpool scored just one goal, conceded six, drew one and lost three games in that period. Just one point was gained in two home games against Fulham (0-0) and Arsenal (1-2) and a crippling defeat at Chelsea (4-0) meant it was a period that could easily have triggered a total collapse in Liverpool's season.

Hamann's presence in the Liverpool team, in my opinion, is just as important as Michael Owen's. If Owen is worth £40m say, then the proposed figure of £10m by Real Madrid is way short of the mark. Forget about ability or skill, the job Hamann does for a team as reliant on its defence as ours is priceless. I trust Liverpool share my view on this matter and will firmly reject any bid that comes in for him.

Gerard Houllier can be proud of the number of bargains he has picked up in his time as manager. Hyypia for £2.6m is just one example. Hamann for £8m is looking more and more a bargain every week.