Liverpool FC: The Israeli League Winner
Article by Craig Muncey
I thought I would write a few articles surrounding trips down memory lane over the coming weeks, and to start that journey off is an article about the first Israeli to play in the top flight of English football. That being Avraham “Avi” Cohen.
Avi Cohen joined Liverpool from Maccabi Tel Aviv in July 1979, a left back by trade, Cohen would make his debut for Liverpool against Leeds in September 1979, at left midfield when Ray Kennedy was injured. Cohen would struggle to take the number 3 shirt off the incumbent left back Alan Kennedy, and Cohen would not get back into the side until near the end of the season. In the final league game of the season, Cohen would have mixed fortunes, after David Johnson put Liverpool one up, Cohen would slice a clearance past Ray Clemence into his own net, however, later in the match he would score in the right end, his only two goals ever scored for Liverpool!
Cohen who captained Israel a number of times during his 51 cap career, played 14 times the following season when Alan Kennedy was out injured. Liverpool were to win the European Cup that season, Cohen did not play, and the goal hero winning the cup was his rival for the left back position Alan Kennedy.
The Israeli left Liverpool in November 1981, making 18 appearances in total, Cohen playing career continued back in Israel, however in 1987, he was bought by Graeme Sounessfor Glasgow Rangers alongside players such as Chris Woods, Terry Butcher, Graham Roberts and future Liverpool player, Mark Walters, Avi made 12 appearances for Glasgow Rangers and lasted one season.
After his playing career ended, he went into football management in Israel, and then went into administration side of the game, being the chairman of the Israeli Players Football Association. Avi’s son, Tamir Cohen also played in England for Bolton Wanderers and now plays in his homeland and also as his dad, is an Israeli international.
Tragically in 2010, Avraham “Avi” Cohen was killed in a motorcycle crash, after his death Maccabi Tel Aviv who he represented for 16 years at youth and senior level, retired the number 5 shirt, that Cohen wore with distinction for the club.
In the 2 years Avi was at Liverpool he was in the playing squad that won 1 league title, 2 charity shields and a European cup, not to bad a record at all. Ex players say he was a lovely man, and a very good footballer.
The first Israeli to grace English football had certainly made his mark.
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