The Norwegian with the thunderous left foot is surely one of Liverpool's most loved left-backs. He was always a reliable source of firepower, although Fulham fans must wonder whether they bought his imaginary and inferior twin brother, as he is yet to fnd the net in two and a half years at Craven Cottage. As for his time at Liverpool, 30 goals in seven seasons from left-back was a fitting return for the threat he posed, and he reached the impressive total of eight twice. In 2005 he helped Liverpool win the Champions League and also scored in the eventually fruitless League Cup final against Chelsea, opening the scoring in the first minute. He eventually lost his place to Brazilian Fabio Aurelio, but moved on to Roma where he found more success, scoring several important goals against the two Milan clubs and Juventus. It was a happy ending to an unhappy chapter in Riise's career, as he had previously stated his desire to remain at Anfield for his entire remaining career. At international level he replicated his goalscoring form, with a fantastic 16 goals in his 110 caps, but with Fulham struggling at the Premier League's bottom end, the Cottagers will be hoping he re-discovers his shooting boots before May.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
