NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.83: Vladimir Smicer
Years: 1999-2005
Appearances: 184
Goals: 19
Trophies: League Cup (2001, 2003), FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), Champions League (2005)
Vladimir Smicer’s Liverpool career is remembered for its moments rather than longevity.
Injuries and inconsistency in finding form meant the Czech endured a stop-start six seasons as a Red – but he departed as a bona fide hero after helping the club clinch its fifth European Cup on his final appearance.
The versatile attacking midfielder joined from Lens in 1999 and brought with him his infectious smile.
He made 49 appearances in his second campaign at Anfield, the treble-winning one under Gerard Houllier, including starts in the finals of the League Cup and FA Cup.
With his eye for goal and creativity, Smicer was able to contribute as a starter or handy option off the substitutes’ bench.
A pick of his 19 strikes for Liverpool was a 90th-minute volleyed winner against Chelsea in 2002, during a title race that ultimately saw Houllier’s men finish second to Arsenal.
Smicer earned another winner’s medal in 2003 when Manchester United were vanquished in the showpiece of the League Cup in Cardiff.
Rafael Benitez arrived and was unable to call upon Smicer for much of his famous first season in charge. The No.11 was available when it mattered, though.
Smicer was Harry Kewell’s replacement early in the Champions League final versus AC Milan and went on to score the Reds’ second from distance in the improbable comeback from 3-0 down in Istanbul.
His last act in a Liverpool shirt was kissing the badge after dispatching a penalty in the eventual shootout victory.
There was no better way for him to sign off.
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