Sander Westerveld (Goalkeeper)
Date
of birth: 23/10/74
Squad number: 1
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 13st 8lb (86kg)
Characteristics: The most expensive goalkeeper in British football when signed, renowned for his huge goal kicks
Former clubs: FC Twente, Vitesse Arnhem
Birth Place: Enschede, The Netherlands
Dutchman Sander Westerveld became the most expensive goalkeeper in British football when he signed in at Anfield for a reported fee of £4 million.
Westerveld was manager Gérard Houllier's number one choice to succeed David James as Anfield's number one, but the giant goalkeeper insisted the record transfer fee would not be a heavy burden for him to carry.
Having helped Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem qualify for Europe during the 1998/99 season Westerveld arrived with a high reputation, especially considering he had only recently made his international debut in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil in a friendly match.
Having begun his career with FC Twente in Holland, and then having moved to Vitesse, the move to Liverpool was Westerveld's first taste of football outside of his home land and on arrival he was quick to state his determination to succeed in order to help Liverpool win trophies and to establish himself as first choice at international level.
His gigantic kicks down field were soon the topic of much discussion between Liverpool fans, many of whom thought about backing him to score a goal during the course of the season.