When Gerard Houllier took Gary McAllister to Liverpool in the summer of 2000, it was met with bemusement by many. The former Scotland international would turn 36 later that year, and although he had been an excellent servant to the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, nobody felt he would be much of a success at Anfield. As it turned out, it proved to be an absolute masterstroke by Houllier. McAllister was an influential figure both on and off the pitch during Liverpool's 2000/01 cup treble-winning season, acting as a role model to young English players like Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy, and producing terrific performances. He played pivotal roles in big games throughout the campaign, whether it be his winning goal against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup semi-final, the assist for the decisive goal in the epic final win over Alaves or that unforgettable last-gasp free-kick away to Everton in a vital league game. He played 49 times that season, and became one of Liverpool's most important players at times. The following year he was more of a squad player, but he still helped Houllier's men finish second in the Premier League. He left the club in 2002, having earned legendary status in the process. Nobody would have predicted that.
