“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” – How Adama Traoré finally made it

Player Profiles

by Kabir Ali - April 9, 2020

"Here's Traoré - look at the strength… Traoré! A star is born!" Adama Traoré's first senior goal, the 11th in a 12-1 aggregate annihilation of Huesca at the hands of Barcelona in the 2014/15 Copa del Rey, was the exciting youngster in a microcosm. A sprinkling of speed and dancing feet

Boxing Day Blockbuster – Leicester City vs Liverpool match preview

News

by Kabir Ali - December 26, 2019December 26, 2019

Liverpool’s celebrations following the full-time whistle in Saturday’s Club World Cup final win over Flamengo were visibly muted, as the side rejoiced in adding a previously missing piece of silverware, but was also fully aware of the task that awaits them when they return home. Having put domestic competition on

Takumi Minamino – Where does the new signing fit in at Liverpool?

Player Profiles

by Kabir Ali - December 20, 2019

When the dust settled on Liverpool’s crazy seven-goal thriller, in which they just about emerged unscathed, against Red Bull Salzburg in October, their fans were able to appreciate the fight brought to Anfield by their opposition that night, led by a diminutive Japanese in attack - Takumi Minamino. A man

Can Liverpool’s flying full-backs carry the Reds to the title?

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - November 18, 2019November 18, 2019

The red juggernaut keeps ongoing. Much like they did in the Champions League, Jürgen Klopp’s side are channeling their disappointment from last season, when they came excruciatingly close to the title and using it to fuel their bid to go one better this time around. As they passed the acid

Paolo Maldini – Il Capitano

Captains

by Kabir Ali - October 8, 2019October 10, 2019

“My grandfather is Milan, my father is Milan, I’m Milan and my son is Milan. Forget it”. And that was that. The mere suggestion that his son could one day ply his trade somewhere other than Milan was so scandalous, that even Sir Alex Ferguson could not escape Cesare Maldini’s disdain.

High Risk, High Reward? The Liverpool Defensive Line Debate

Originals

by Kabir Ali - August 31, 2019May 26, 2020

They say start as you mean to go on, and no one currently understands the importance of that more than Liverpool. The only remaining side with a 100% record in the Premier League, the Reds have followed up on their Champions League win by picking up the UEFA Super Cup,

Penny pinching or thinking ahead? Analysing Liverpool’s unusual transfer window

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - August 1, 2019October 2, 2019

Written by Kabir Ali Exactly two months on from their Champions League win, Liverpool is gearing up for the new season. Along with hopes of defending their continental crown, the Reds will look to launch another assault at the Premier League title. While these two competitions will be their bread and

Knocking on the door – Potential challengers to the Big 6

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - July 18, 2019October 2, 2019

By Kabir Ali Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title win back in 2016 wasn’t just a footballing miracle, but a modern-day fairytale that transcends sport itself. The fact that at 5000/1, odds were shorter on Kim Kardashian becoming President and Elvis being spotted alive; showing the staggering scale of their success.

Werner on Liverpool’s radar – Should Klopp sign ‘Turbo Timo’?

News
Opinion

by Kabir Ali - July 13, 2019October 2, 2019

By Kabir Ali Timo Werner lives life in the fast lane. His rise through the ranks into German footballing stardom has been as rapid as his runs towards goal on the pitch. In keeping with this theme, it's fitting that 'Turbo Timo' is ready to take the next big step of

Matthijs de Ligt Transfer Column – A momentous summer ahead for the Dutch wonderkid

News

by Kabir Ali - May 21, 2019October 2, 2019

The 90s are making a comeback - from chunky sneakers to denim overalls, from Captain Marvel to talks of a Spice Girls reunion - throwbacks are aplenty to the mania of a time when the world was just a better place. And it’s not just in music, fashion or cinema

How Super Sadio became Liverpool’s main Mané in demand

by Kabir Ali - March 28, 2019October 2, 2019

Sadio Mané has been a man on a mission in 2019. Few players in the Premier League, or indeed Europe are going through as pronounced a purple patch as the Liverpool forward. Ice cool in front of goal amidst this red hot run of form, Mané has hit top gear

Revisiting the greatest knockout round Champions League comebacks

News

by Kabir Ali - March 5, 2019October 2, 2019

Manchester United and Juventus are staring down the barrel of Round of 16 exits in the Champions League following their 2-0 defeats in the first leg. United look like a team reborn under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the damaging first leg home defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain - the

Young Lions -Trent Alexander-Arnold

Young Lions

by Kabir Ali - January 31, 2019October 2, 2019

Every great side in football needs that one player. The player who eats, breathes and sleeps for their team. The player who has no greater goal in their career than to win with their club. Some names that instantly spring to mind are those of Iker Casillas at Real Madrid,

Klopp’s Midfield Conundrum

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - November 19, 2018October 2, 2019

Resident Liverpool FC contributor for EADF Kabir Ali weighs in on the selection dilemma Jurgen Klopp faces with respect to his midfield ahead of a tight festive period. It has been a strange start to the season at Liverpool, to stay the least. The blistering beginning to the Premier League campaign,

Andy Robertson – To Hull And Back

Player Profiles

by Kabir Ali - October 16, 2018October 2, 2019

Hatem Ben Arfa will be remembered by the beautiful game as another one of its prodigious talents that fell by the wayside. Those who have trouble remembering his one-off season with Hull City in the 2014/15 season can be forgiven, as the side were ultimately relegated and he barely featured.

Liverpool vs Manchester City: Match Preview

News

by Kabir Ali - October 7, 2018October 7, 2018

City look to break Anfield hoodoo Competition: Premier League, Matchday 8, Venue: Anfield Referee: Martin Atkinson Timings: Sunday, 7th October 2018, 4:30 PM BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 11:30 AM EST, 8.30AM PT (USA), 9 PM IST (India), Telecast: Star Sports Select 1 The Premier League serves up an early season title six-pointer right before the international break

Fight or Flight: Breaking Down Liverpool’s Nightmarish Fixture List

News

by Kabir Ali - September 11, 2018September 11, 2018

After the bitter disappointment of last season, Liverpool have got their current campaign off to a flyer. Winning their opening four games for the first time in 28 years heading into the international break, it's out of the frying pan and into the fire for the Reds as their upcoming

Liverpool’s Transfer Window – Is This Their Year?

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - July 28, 2018October 2, 2019

“When I sit here in four years' time, I think we want at least one (Premier League) title." Jurgen Klopp gave a statement of intent if ever there was one in his first ever press conference as Liverpool boss when he slipped this solemn promise in between all the witty one-liners.

World Cup Team Of The Tournament

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - July 15, 2018October 1, 2019

As the World Cup draws to its conclusion, we take a look at a team of the competition. Russia 2018 will be remembered as a World Cup for the ages, with all its twists and turns and an endless supply of drama. Linking up in an orthodox 4-3-3, here are

England 2-0 Sweden: Three Lions Head Into The Last 4

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - July 7, 2018October 1, 2019

Football moved another step closer to home as England breezed past Sweden with a 2-0 win in Samara. Through to their first World Cup semi-final since Italy 1990, the Three Lions are daring to dream. Having already outshone the 'golden generation' of a decade ago, this young bunch of upstarts

Spain 1-1 Russia: La Roja Dumped Out On Penalties As Hosts Progress

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - July 1, 2018October 1, 2019

Spain joined Argentina and Portugal on a growing list of casualties in the Round of 16 as their bid to regain their title of World Champions came to a sorry end. Russia held their own, first for 120 minutes and then from the penalty spot to do the unthinkable. They

Kroos Scores Sensational Strike to Give Germany Last Minute Win

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - June 23, 2018October 1, 2019

The curse of Champions. It's something that would've crossed Joachim Löw's mind as he readied the most important half-time team talk of his managerial career. Whatever he said must have worked though, as his side produced a breathless, last-gasp winner to down a resolute Sweden 2-1 and keep their heads

Mbappé Finds the Net As Les Bleus Get Across The Line

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - June 21, 2018October 1, 2019

In what seems to be something of a recurring theme this World Cup, the underdog gave a really good account of themselves against one of the favourites. Peru were the latest side to join the 'nearly' men as they came within reach of toppling France but instead bowed out of

Why Brazil Will Back Themselves to Win the World Cup

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - June 17, 2018October 1, 2019

It seemed destined that Brazil would clinch their 6th World Cup when the tournament returned to its spiritual home in 2014. Fate had other ideas. The football-crazy nation watched on helplessly as Germany tore them apart in a 7-1 defeat, subsequently named Mineirazo, in a throwback to the humiliation of 1950. The

World Cup 2018: Build up to the first game – Live!

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - June 14, 2018October 1, 2019

The wait is finally over. The day has arrived! Billions will be watching from all around the globe, as the biggest carnival in the world kicks off! 736 players, 32 teams, 1 winner. We'll guide you through all the details before the big game at 8:30 PM. Stay with us as we build up

World Cup Group G Analysis – A Group of Two Halves

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - June 6, 2018October 1, 2019

There are two sides to the coin that is Group G. You have England and Belgium, who know all about the occasion, and are striving to match the considerable potential of their talent. Then there’s the novices, Tunisia and Panama. 2018 will be a new chapter in both countries' footballing

The Final Showdown: Real Madrid vs Liverpool

News

by Kabir Ali - May 26, 2018

“Two hours ago you all felt s***. Now hopefully you all feel better. This is just the start for us. We will play in many more finals.” Jürgen Klopp’s rallying cry may have fallen on the deaf ears of his crestfallen Liverpool squad the night of the Europa League final, but

Germany World Cup Preview – The Pursuit of Greatness

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - April 30, 2018October 1, 2019

What’s that saying again? “In this world, nothing is certain, except death, taxes, and Germany doing well at international tournaments”. Well not quite, but it’s something like that. One of the often mentioned hallmarks of German culture is its efficiency, and nowhere is that more evident than in the national team.

Mo Salah:The King of Egypt.

Player Profiles

by Kabir Ali - March 3, 2018October 2, 2019

”If we can, the club will do everything possible to match the value of the player. If they end up going to another club that is difficult to take. But you can't worry about it, you've just got to keep looking forward." Brendan Rodgers was left bitterly disappointed late in the

Kenny Dalglish – The King of the Kop

by Kabir Ali - December 4, 2017October 2, 2019

Kenny – The King of the Kop who changed Liverpool F.C. forever Kenny Dalglish had a unique career in football, not just on the pitch but off it as well. He holds the unwanted tag of possibly being the only footballer to have personally witnessed three of the game’s biggest

Merseyside Blues – Decoding Everton’s poor start to the 2017/18 season

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - October 20, 2017October 2, 2019

Often lingering in the shadow of English football’s giants in the northwest, this season was meant to represent a turning point for Everton. Heavy spending ushered in by billionaire Farhad Moshiri’s takeover in February 2016 saw parallels being drawn with Sheikh Mansour’s Manchester City acquisition in 2008. Moshiri’s project is

France World Cup Preview – Les Bleus’ time is now

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - October 17, 2017October 1, 2019

It seemed to take an eternity for Eder’s shot to streak across the turf and into the back of the net. Portugal had been through the misery of losing to an underdog at home, as they did against Greece in 2004, and all of France that saw the ball trickle

Bayern Munich’s harsh treatment of Ancelotti

Opinion

by Kabir Ali - September 30, 2017October 2, 2019

Ancelotti’s sacking shows that even Bayern aren’t immune to the whims of modern football. A third exclusive by Kabir Ali Germany are, always have been and will continue to be a football powerhouse. Very few things are constant in football, and this is one of them. And of German football, Bayern Munich

Spain’s Shot At Renaissance

World Cup 2018

by Kabir Ali - September 21, 2017October 1, 2019

A Second exclusive by EADF writer Kabir Ali. The long road to recovery. Of the things that are the hardest to achieve in football, few come close to having to get back on your perch once someone comes along and knocks you off. And for Spain, it doesn’t make it any easier

Rugrats of the Riviera — The AS Monaco story

Down Memory Lane

by Kabir Ali - July 1, 2017October 2, 2019

There’s a French side lighting up Europe this season, and it’s not the rich boys from the capital. The team closest to threatening Paris Saint-Germain’s stranglehold over Ligue 1 and beyond are challengers no more. As they get ready to take on Juventus in their return to the Champions League