I would think that living here for 10 years, playing in 450 ish games, quite a few no doubt against lower league teams in cups and friendlies,... gives him a decent grounding.
A Liverpool colleague of mine sent this to me just now: ( shame he isnt playing anymore)
Sami Hyypia
To the tune of The Addams Family
In our defensive foursome
He's absolutely awesome
From corners he will score some
It's Sami Hyypia!