Sports

Key strengths of Liverpool’s title winners

Published

5 years ago

June 26, 2020

Liverpool were crowned champions of England for the first time in 30 years on Thursday with seven matches remaining, having turned the English Premier League (EPL) title race into a procession.

They have smashed records along the way and more could follow, including most wins, most points and the biggest winning margin.

It will go down as a season for the ages, but what makes Juergen Klopp’s side such an unstoppable force?

All truly great sides are constructed on unshakeable foundations and Liverpool are no exception.

When Manchester City splashed out 35 million pounds (43.39 million dollars) on goalkeeper Ederson in 2017 it raised eyebrows.

But, a year later, Liverpool paid nearly double that for another Brazilian shot-stopper, Alisson Becker.

It was a masterstroke.

Alisson kept 21 clean sheets last season as Liverpool and Manchester City went head-to-head in an epic title race, more than any other goalkeeper.

He leads the way again with 12 this time in spite of being out injured early in the season.

Alisson exudes calm, distributes the ball like a cultured libero and make the difficult look remarkably routine.

In front of him, Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been a colossus since joining from Southampton in 2018.

Rarely can a defensive signing have made such an incredible impact.

Van Dijk’s ability to pick a pass means Liverpool can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

And when it comes to defensive basics, he does everything with rare grace.

In front of Van Dijk is Liverpool’s engine block.

Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho, with James Milner as a reliable back-up, provide the relentless intensity opposing sides find so suffocating.

Without them working in unison, Liverpool’s attacking maestros could not flourish.

When the mercurial Philippe Coutinho left for FC Barcelona in 2018, some feared Liverpool’s creative spark would fade.

Instead, they have flourished.

Klopp’s early Liverpool sides often came unstuck against the “low block” when lesser opponents sat in deep and let Liverpool pass themselves into knots.

Then something happened.

Youth product Trent Alexander-Arnold established himself as first-choice right-back and left-back Andy Robertson joined from Hull for a paltry eight million pounds.

Operating like well-oiled pistons on each flank, they are arguably the best full-back pairing in the world, providing pace, penetration and creativity to open up even the most limpet-like defensive rearguards.

Alexander-Arnold is second behind only Manchester City magician Kevin de Bruyne in the assist charts this season with 12, while Robertson is fourth on the list with eight.

In Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino Liverpool possess an attacking trio that is almost impossible to contain.

As well as searing pace and lethal finishing prowess, Salah and Mane are a midfielder’s dream with their intelligent runs.

Salah and Mane have bagged 32 league goals between them this season while the Klopp’s modern-day number nine Firmino is the unsung hero, running himself into the ground for the cause.

Klopp has ingrained a sense of collective responsibility at Liverpool —- a characteristic of all great sides.

But skipper Jordan Henderson is their talisman.

It took him an age to come out of the more naturally-gifted Steven Gerrard’s shadow.

Even now, football analysis website transfermarkt.co.uk puts the 30-year-old down at 13th when comparing market values of Liverpool’s squad.

But his contribution is priceless.

Henderson’s passing range has expanded, his energy is relentless and above all, he will not tolerate a dip in standards from his team mates.

Henderson shuns the limelight but no captain will be more worthy of raising the Premier League trophy aloft.(Reuters/NAN)

Sports

Ex- NBA Chair, Balogun tasks legal professionals on mentorship

Published

4 weeks ago

July 17, 2025

milcah

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN), has urged his professional colleagues, particularly those who are alumni of the University of Ilorin, to provide mentorship to their junior ones, especially undergraduates .

The former Ilorin NBA branch Chairman said the much needed mentorship is necessary to complement the efforts of those who have cultivated the act of giving back financially to their alma mater.

Chief Balogun, who was an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and one of the 50 Ambassadors of the institution, spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the “University of Ilorin Ambassadors’ investiture, Distinguished Alumni and Award ceremony, where the University raked in cash donations of N600 million from the honourees.

The legal luminary, who doubles as the North Central Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the society, stressed the need for Nigerians, especially those who are successful in their professional callings to cultivate the habit of rendering service to humanity.

He added: “That is why in the Red Cross, one of our seven principles is humanity, service to humanity is key, it is very paramount. As the Chairman of Red Cross here in Kwara State and Chairman of the North Central of Red Cross, I totally agree with what Kuliyan Gerin said that you must give back to the society.

“People like us, I am not rich but at least we’re providing mentorship to our juniors, to our students through the law society because I was the one that started the Law Society here during my tenure as
President. We mentored them, we are also giving back, it could be in terms of knowledge, in terms of materials, in terms of fees, advice, it can come in any way. It needs not be money alone.

“So that is why I am totally in support and in line with Kuliyan Gerin that you cannot say because you have succeeded in life you have amassed so much wealth without giving back.

“In fact, God is going to judge you, you are going to render account, according to Professor Oloyede.

“So, we appreciate them (UNILORIN) because they thought we have been representing the University well, and that is why we are honoured.”

End

Sports

Title: Real Madrid and Barcelona Share Mutual Respect, Says Ancelotti Ahead of Copa Final

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

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by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is mutual respect between his side and fierce rivals Barcelona, as both clubs gear up for an intense run-in across multiple competitions.

Speaking ahead of Madrid’s weekend La Liga clash against Valencia, Ancelotti acknowledged Barcelona’s form and quality, stating, “Barcelona is playing well, they’re in good form. I think there’s a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid.”

Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by three points with nine matches left to play and will face the Catalan side in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Both teams are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Los Blancos booked their place in the Copa final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid.

Madrid’s preparations for the weekend are clouded by injury concerns, with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to a muscle issue. Second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin is also a doubt, leaving the door open for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to possibly make his senior debut.

“There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday [against Arsenal],” Ancelotti said. “We have a doubt for tomorrow’s game with Lunin… and if he’s not fit I have total confidence in Fran.”

Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of their midweek extra-time thriller and praised upcoming opponents Valencia, who are unbeaten in four games.

“We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time,” he said. “We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season.”

Sports

Mbappe Among Three Real Madrid Stars Fined by UEFA for ‘Indecent Conduct’

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

milcah

by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

The European football governing body announced on Friday that Mbappe was fined €30,000, while defender Antonio Rudiger was handed a heavier €40,000 fine. Midfielder Dani Ceballos received a €20,000 penalty. Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, who was also under investigation, escaped punishment.

In addition to the fines, Mbappe and Rudiger were issued a suspended one-match ban in European competitions. This means they remain eligible for Real Madrid’s quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on Tuesday, as the suspension will only be enforced in case of further misconduct.

UEFA did not provide specific details of the players’ actions but cited a breach of Article 11 of its disciplinary regulations, which mandates “decent conduct” from participants. The incident stems from the heated Madrid derby on March 12 at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Real Madrid edged Atletico on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.