Vladimir Smicer praises Liverpool's 'underappreciated' Istanbul Champions League hero

Rangnick questions VAR decisions after Man Utd lose at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta reflects on Arsenal's win over Man Utd

Liverpool train ahead of Villarreal clash

Man City v Real Madrid: Pictures

Pep Guardiola reviews incredible Real Madrid victory

Joe Root resigns as England Test captain after disastrous winter

Wimbledon chief speaks about who will open competition

Solskjaer touts Man Utd youngster James Garner as the next Michael Carrick

Alberto Moreno sends a message to Liverpool fans after Europa League win

inside Michael Owen's racing stables

Pep Guardiola previews Real Madrid

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