A Chat with a Dubai Friend About DIC, Footballers, and Season Predictions

Well, he is not an expert analyst or a coach. But he sure is one very positive Liverpool FC fan by the name of Saad 'Hadda' Nazir. Hadda was born in Dubai and he came here to Malaysia last year and I got close to him because both of us are very passionate football fans, and both of us support Liverpool FC.

I had a chat with him several times and I found that his sayings and perspectives are logical and reasonable. So I decided to write an article about our conversation although both of us are not pundits. We were just expressing our opinions; I hope you enjoy reading.

Me: Let's start of with your view regarding Liverpool's recent performances, against Chelsea and Everton?

Hadda: I knew Torres would score (giggles) but to be frank, Liverpool dominated the game even before Lampard's dismissal and they deserved the victory.

Me: So do you think the sent off was fair?

Hadda: No! It was a fair challenge. I have to admit that his dismissal was a factor contributing to Liverpool's victory but I have to say again that Liverpool were the better team. However, I was gutted by Bosingwa's action.

Me: It was awful really (sigh). Torres really made a big difference, don't you think so too?

Hadda: He sure is, but I am also very happy to see the likes of Aurelio, Alonso and Benayoun playing well.

Me: Gerrard?

Hadda: He's a living legend.

Me: By the way, I didn't watch the game against Everton. I know the scoreline though, but how did Liverpool play? Did they play badly?

Hadda: They dominated the game for a big part of the game, until Lucas' sent off at least. Then, Everton took advantage and eventually scored the winning goal.

Me: What do you think of Keane's departure then?

Hadda: He wasn't scoring much for Liverpool but he showed us some good performances in the red outfit. He is a good striker without doubt.

Me: But there is no replacement for him. Not even Lennon.

Hadda: Well, I guess we will see more of Babel or Kuyt upfront, then Benayoun can start more games, as a winger (laughs).

Me: You really like Yossi, don't you?

Hadda: He is a good playmaker and he is unpredictable, unlike Riera and Kuyt.

Me: You are from Dubai and big teams always go there, have you been close to the stars, watching them play from the stands instead of the TV screen? Manchester United came to Malaysia but I didn't go, Chelsea came and I got two free tickets but I had something else to do.

Hadda: So you missed that as well?

Me: Yes (laughs), but I swear that if Liverpool come, I'll be there.

Hadda: Brazil went to Dubai and I was there watching the players trained. Kaka was there, Robinho was there...

Me: You are so lucky, when Brazil came to Malaysia, I watched the game.

Me: On TV.

Hadda: I really like Kaka, he is not just technically gifted, he has a good personality. My friends and I talked to him...

Me: (interrupts) In English?

Hadda: Yes, and he is humble.

Me: Are you happy he snubbed Manchester City?

Hadda: Yes, I knew he would.

Me: Besides Kaka, which other footballers do you rate?

Hadda: Gerrard of course. To me, he is the most complete footballer on Earth. He passes well, reads games well, scores brilliant goals. Basically, he has a bit of everything. And he is a great leader.

Me: People always bring Lampard and Gerrard into comparisons. Both of them have been playing well for their respective clubs. So the big question is, who do you think is better? Lampard or Gerrard?

Hadda: Lampard is a good player but he is not as influential as Gerrard. Yes, he (Lampard) is scoring more goals than Gerrard but he always score in occasions where his goals don't change the outcome of the games, like when Chelsea win by 3-0 or 4-0, Lampard scores one or two. Gerrard is different, he scores vital goals and his presence on the pitch has a bigger impact.

Me: Besides Gerrard?

Hadda: Riquelme.

Me: I like that player.

Hadda: Riquelme is one of the best playmakers in the world. His passing accuracy is world class. He doesn't run much but his presence on the pitch makes a very big difference too, allowing attacks to be created around him.

Me: Rafa has been criticised by many fans recently. Are you one of them?

Hadda: To me Rafa is the best tactician on Earth. His tactics are good, especially against big teams. Although his tactics restrict Liverpool to play free-flow football at times, but I'd rather see Liverpool winning then those fancy moves.

Me: What about the other managers?

Hadda: Wenger is good, he knows how to bring the best out of every players. Ferguson is also a good manager without doubt.

Me: Which area(s) do you think Liverpool need to improve on?

Hadda: A right winger and a right back will do.

Me: You don't thin Arbeloa is a good right back?

Hadda: You can always count on him, he is reliable but Liverpool need a wing back on the right who can attack like Aurelio does on the left.

Me: A tough question for you, Agger or Skrtel?

Hadda: (smiles) Tough one man, I would play them both with Carra on the right.

Me: Dossena has been disappointing. Was he a good buy?

Hadda: Not really, but he is useful against physical teams, like Bolton maybe.

Me: By the way, I heard a rumour stating that DIC are coming up with another bid to buy Liverpool. Are you as happy as I am now?

Hadda: I don't know really, they will give us an edge in transfer market but I'm afraid that Liverpool will have to pay more than the players' values as people take advantage of you when you are rich.

Me: But we all know Rafa won't sign unnecessary players.

Hadda: What makes you think DIC will keep Rafa?

Me: (speechless).

Me: So where do you think Liverpool will finish this season?

Hadda: Hopefully they win, but I think there will be no problem finishing top two. Gerrard's injury is a big blow but I hope he returns fast.

Me: Aston Villa have been good, haven't they?

Hadda: They are really good, a dangerous team to play against. I feel Martin O'Neill is the reason behind their good form, and the good players there of course.

Me: What difference can Arshavin bring to the young Gunners?

Hadda: He is a versatile creative player but slightly overrated though. People talked a lot about him after Euro.

Hadda: How far do you think Liverpool will progress in the Champions League?

Me: It's very hard to predict, it's a knock-out phase after all, anything can happen. Let's see what happens.