‘I didn’t think I’d ever leave Liverpool – even now I don’t understand what happened'

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld was left baffled after being demoted from first-choice to fourth-string in 2001. The Dutch star, who replaced David James at Anfield in 1999, became the most expensive goalkeeper in British history at the time with a £4million move.

During his two-year stint on Merseyside, Westerveld was the undisputed No.1 under Gerard Houllier, conceding the fewest goals in the 1999/2000 Premier League season. He also played a key role in Liverpool’s league-less treble in 2001, particularly shining in the League Cup final against Birmingham City.

However, a sudden dip in form and a costly error against Bolton saw him fall out of favour with Houllier. Liverpool brought in Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland, leaving Westerveld surplus to requirements. He was sold to Real Sociedad in December 2001 – a decision that still puzzles the now 50-year-old.

“I know what happened, but I still don’t understand it,” Westerveld, the only goalkeeper to have played for both Liverpool and Everton, previously told Planet Football.

“From day one, Houllier told me and the press that you need time to adapt to the English league. Obviously, I was criticised like all goalkeepers are. They’re under a lot of pressure, especially at Liverpool.

“I never felt the pressure, but I could see and hear the criticism. I started off well in my first year, when I was 24, and goalkeepers tend to get better every year. In the first year, we had the best defence in the Premier League, and in the second year, we won the treble.

“I was just improving, but already, from the very first day of pre-season, I heard rumours about Liverpool bringing in a new goalkeeper. That’s normal. I wasn’t nervous, or afraid of losing my place, because I felt I was doing good things.”

However, a pivotal moment came with a mistake against Bolton, when a shot from Dean Holdsworth slid under the embarrassed Dutchman, firing the starting gun on his decline, reports the Mirror

“I made a mistake,” Westerveld admitted. “Afterwards, I went away with the national team, and Liverpool bought two goalkeepers instead of one. That was obviously a big blow for me. I never thought that I would have to leave Liverpool. I always had a lot of confidence. I knew what I was doing. All goalkeepers make mistakes, but I was winning points as well.

“If they had brought one goalkeeper in, even Dudek, I would still have been fighting for my place. Nobody knows what would have happened. But when they buy two goalkeepers and they don’t even take you on a Champions League away trip as the number three, you know you’re number four.

“From number one to number four. That was just a nightmare. There was nothing for me to do. I didn’t have any chance to come back and they made it very clear. I thought it was very harsh, but what can you do? Things happen like this in football.”