Former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson says Liverpool have missed Sami Hyypia this season.

Hyypia turned down a coaching offer at Liverpool to continue playing with Bayer Leverkusen.

Merson wrote in his column for the Daily Star: "He didn't play much last season, but every time he did play he was awesome and having him around the club was invaluable.

"His experience was so important and I think Liverpool are missing him big time.

"This was supposed to be the season when the Reds made a real challenge for the title, yet instead they have got worse."