Anfield, Liverpool Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST | Attendance: 44,072
The stadium thrummed like a heartbeat.
"And we are underway at Anfield! Liverpool versus Norwich City—Jürgen Klopp's first home match in charge of the Reds. A full house of 44,072 supporters singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' just moments ago—an absolute spine-tingling rendition. The atmosphere is electric, expectant, and brimming with emotion."
Gary Neville: "You can feel it, Martin. The crowd's buzzing. The fans believe something is about to change here. And today, we're getting a glimpse of Klopp's philosophy. High line, fast transitions, pressing traps. It's all about control through chaos."
Martin Tyler: "And one storyline everyone's watching today… that young man leading the line—number 9—Abdul Azim. Just 18 years old. A Malaysian-born striker, raised in both Southeast Asia and Merseyside. A product of Liverpool's youth system. This is his first-ever Premier League start. He's been setting the academy alight."
Gary Neville: "He's an unknown to most of the league, Martin, but let me tell you—word from a few mates at Melwood is he's been unplayable in training. Klopp's a brave man to throw him in now, but if he's half as good as they're saying, this could be the moment he introduces himself to the league. Huge pressure—but a huge chance."
Martin Tyler: "And a small nod to Norwich boss Russell Martin—who's back on the touchline just a day after welcoming a baby boy. A big congratulations from everyone at Sky Sports. A family milestone—and now a footballing test at one of England's most iconic grounds."
Gary Neville (smiling): "Yeah, a sleepless night and then you've got to figure out how to stop gegenpressing at Anfield. Not exactly ideal. But Martin will be proud—and his team will look to give him something more to celebrate."
Flags waved in the Kop. The red banners bled across the terraces. The YNWA chant had long finished, but its echo still sat heavy in the air like smoke after fireworks.
On the pitch, twenty-two players stood in formation.
Liverpool 4-3-3
GK: Simon Mignolet
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
CB: Martin Škrtel
CB: Dejan Lovren
LB: Alberto Moreno
CDM: Lucas Leiva
CDM: James Milner (C)
CAM: Roberto Firmino
RW: Daniel Sturridge
LW: Philippe Coutinho
ST: Abdul Azim
Norwich City 4-2-3-1
GK: John Ruddy
RB: Steven Whittaker
CB: Russell Martin (C)
CB: Sébastien Bassong
LB: Robbie Brady
CDM: Graham Dorrans
CDM: Alexander Tettey
CAM: Wes Hoolahan
RW: Matt Jarvis
LW: Nathan Redmond
ST: Cameron Jerome
The referee, Anthony Taylor, checked his watch.
Then—
"PEEP!"
Kick-off.
The ball rolled to Graham Dorrans (CDM). Norwich took early possession, slowly building from the back.
"IS: Environment synced. Tactical Lens calibrated."
Inside Azim's mind, a quiet grid overlaid the pitch. Players moved like avatars, heat signatures displayed under their boots. The IS processed everything in milliseconds.
"Norwich shape: flat 4-2-3-1. Redmond drifting. Dorrans (CDM) unpressured. Press trigger: 3.4s."
Azim (ST) drifted a few steps forward, feinting a run—then burst.
IS: Green – Press Win Probability: 91%
He sprinted toward Dorrans (CDM), forcing a pass back to Bassong (CB).
Milner (CDM) followed. Lucas (CDM) stepped in. The press squeezed.
Gary Neville: "That's Klopp's gegenpress already working. It's not just running—it's coordinated chaos."
Bassong (CB) hoofed the ball long. Škrtel (CB) rose highest and nodded it down to Lucas (CDM), who immediately played it square to Milner (CDM).
Milner (CDM) paused. Lifted his head.
Milner zipped it forward.
Azim (ST) dropped off the line to receive.
He checked his left shoulder. Martin (CB) followed. No green light to turn.
So Azim (ST) held.
Back to goal, he waited.
Firmino (CAM) approached behind him. Azim felt the cue.
He nudged the ball back with the sole of his boot—perfect weight.
Firmino (CAM) burst forward. Dribbled. Shot—wide.
Martin Tyler: "A quick one-two between the Anfield debutant and the Brazilian! And already Azim showing clever link-up play."
Mignolet (GK) started short.
Lucas (CDM) spread it right to Clyne (RB), who played it up to Sturridge (RW). Norwich shuffled.
IS: Norwich Line Compression – 16.2m | Trigger overload on right side | Sturridge (RW)-Clyne (RB)-Azim (ST) rotation available
Sturridge (RW) took a touch inside. Azim (ST) shifted central. Then cut out wide into the channel.
IS: Blind side of Bassong (CB) triggered. Azim – Green sprint line. Execute.
Sturridge (RW) saw the run and rolled it down the line. Azim broke into full sprint.
The stadium gasped.
Gary Neville: "Look at him go! That's frightening pace!"
He reached the ball on the byline.
No support yet.
He stopped it cold. Turned. Waited.
IS: Green cross angle in 2.3s. Sturridge (RW) arriving at back post.
He clipped it toward the penalty spot.
Sturridge (RW) leapt—but Martin (CB) cleared.
Corner.
Crowd: "OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"The teenager nearly created Liverpool's opener! And this Kop end crowd already appreciating what he brings."
Milner (CDM - corner kick taker) jogged over.
Azim (ST) secretly pointed to the back post.
IS: Header Win Rate: 100% – Based on recent training. Execute aerial plan.
He backed into Bassong (CB).
Martin Tyler:"And here it comes! Liverpool with their first set-piece of the game. James Milner (RM) standing over the ball, looking to swing it into the box. Azim (ST), the young Anfield debutant, is the target. You can feel the anticipation rising in the stadium. Anfield is alive!"
Gary Neville:"Azim's already shown his aerial prowess in training, Martin. The reports are he's been winning every header, but this is different—he's up against Norwich's experienced defenders. Can he deliver today?"
Milner whipped it in—
IS: "Header Win Rate: 100% – Execute aerial plan. Based on recent training."
Azim's eyes locked onto the incoming ball. He felt the familiar thrill surge through his body—the knowledge that his body was about to deliver exactly what was needed.
The trajectory lines were mapped out in blue, showcasing the path of Milner's delivery, and highlighting the area in front of him where the ball would drop. The IS data fed into his body, almost telepathically, guiding his positioning as the ball soared towards him.
The stadium seemed to slow around him, the sound of the crowd dimming as the blue trajectory solidified. 0.93s hang time. He calculated the exact timing. The ball was coming down at a perfect angle.
IS: "Activate: Jumping Power. Elevation Capability: 2.83 meters."
Azim (ST) braced himself. He knew exactly how to position his body—his core tightened, his knees bent, preparing to explode upwards.
The defender, Bassong (CB), attempted to hold him off, but Azim (ST) used his body enhancement to break free. In one fluid motion, his legs pushed off the ground like a rocket. His feet left the turf, and the 0.93-second hang time felt like hours as he reached the peak of his jump.
"Elevation: 2.83 meters."
With a sudden burst, he rose above the defenders—Bassong (CB) was left trailing as Azim (ST) extended his head forward.
The ball came in—perfectly aligned with his forehead.
He smashed it into the net.
"Header—on target!"
The Anfield crowd erupted into pure chaos. The stands shook as the sound of roaring Liverpool fans filled the stadium.
"What a header! What a home debut goal! Azim has done it!"
Gary Neville:"Incredible! Azim has made his mark on his Premier League first home game debut! A towering header, beyond the reach of Norwich's keeper. This kid has arrived!"
Martin Tyler:"He's only 18, Gary, but that was a goal that looked like it came from a seasoned professional. The power, the precision, the timing—absolutely clinical!"
On the sideline, Jürgen Klopp was bouncing on his feet, fists clenched, eyes wide with pride. He punched the air three times, a trademark Klopp celebration that sent waves of energy through the Liverpool bench.
"Yes! Yes! Come on, Azim!" Klopp shouted, his voice booming across the pitch.
The Liverpool players rushed towards Azim. They engulfed him in a celebration, with Milner (CDM) first to reach him, patting him on the back, followed by Coutinho (LW) , Firmino (CAM) , and the rest of the squad. The teammates surrounded him in a massive huddle, lifting him off the ground with pride.
Azim (ST) remained calm, smiling softly, but his eyes glinted with excitement. He had delivered. The first goal. His debut home goal. And it was a header—at 2.83 meters—a freakish leap.
Azim's first instinct after scoring wasn't to throw his hands up in triumph, as many might expect.
Instead, he jogged slowly towards Jürgen Klopp, who was still celebrating on the touchline. As he approached, he pointed towards Klopp, a sign of appreciation for the man who believed in him.
The crowd, still buzzing with the goal, erupted into chants.
"Azim! Azim! Azim!"
Klopp greeted him with a warm hug. "I told you, you're the one, Azim!"
Azim just nodded, a quiet acknowledgment that said everything without the need for words. His teammates continued to congratulate him, but he always made sure to thank the player who assisted—Milner (CDM). The moment Milner (CDM) received the hug and handshake, the connection between the two players was evident.
"Great ball, Jimmy." Azim (ST) said simply, before patting Milner (CDM) on the back.
Martin Tyler:"It's the 18-year-old Azim with his debut goal for Liverpool! The atmosphere here at Anfield is electric! Klopp's side take the lead, and it's a fantastic goal to set the tone for this match!"
Gary Neville:"You couldn't ask for a better debut, could you? The kid's got power, vision, and a natural instinct for scoring goals. That header was something special. But I have to say, his physicality at just 18, with that leap—it's insane!"
Stadium announcer (loudspeaker):
"GOAL FOR LIVERPOOL! Scored by number 9… ABDUL!!"
"AZIM!!!"
"ABDUL!!..." "AZIM!!"
"ABDUL!!..." "AZIM!!"
The announcer and fans roared loudly.
Score: Liverpool 1 – 0 Norwich City
Restart at centre circle.
As the crowd slowly quieted from their thunderous celebration, the match restarted. Norwich tried to respond with quick passes from kick-off, hoping to catch Liverpool over-eager from their celebrations.
Martin Tyler: "And after that thunderous opening goal from the Reds debutant Azim, Norwich will be desperate to restore some calm here."
Gary Neville: "They've got to keep the ball for a bit. Liverpool's energy under Klopp is relentless, and if they give it away cheaply, they'll be punished again."
Norwich in Possession
Redmond (RM) carried the ball down the right flank, pressured by Gomez (LB) and Milner (CDM). In the center, Dorrans (CM) searched for space but found himself shadowed by Lucas (CDM), with Azim (ST) dropping subtly into the midfield space—pressing from behind like a shadow.
IS Tactical Overlay – Active
Opponent possession detected.
Red zone: Dorrans (CM) under pressure.
Grey Indicator: Tettey (CDM) to receive.
Blue Trajectory Detected – Ball path to Tettey in 1.8s.
Green Intercept Opportunity – 92% success rate.
Azim pounced.
He darted forward just as Dorrans (CDM) shifted his weight, poking the pass slightly too slow toward Tettey (CB). Azim (ST) slid in—studs down, body low—cutting off the ball with textbook timing.
Martin Tyler: "Class interception this time! He's doing it all—pressing, tackling—this is gegenpressing football, Klopp-style!"
The crowd gasped, then roared again.
Azim jumped to his feet, nudged the ball to Coutinho (LW), and sprinted into the channel—drawing Bassong (CB) wide. Coutinho flicked it back central, and the pass popped loose after a challenge.
Azim continued his run, chasing the second ball. He got there first—but was tripped just outside the box by Bassong (CB).
Whistle. Free Kick. Liverpool.
The referee jogged over, pointing firmly to the turf just beyond the arc.
Gary Neville: "That's a clever foul from Bassong (CB), but it's in a terrible spot to concede. This is prime free-kick territory. And he must not make the same mistake again as the referee giving him the warning. "
Martin Tyler: "Now here's a scene we might see again and again. Azim and Coutinho standing over the ball together."
The two players stood side by side. Coutinho adjusted his shin pads. Azim was still.
Flashback – Three Days Ago: Kirkby Training Ground
Coach Lewtas stood with his clipboard, watching.
"Free kick drill. Fifty attempts. Outside the box. Let's see who the real taker is."
Coutinho went first. Smooth strikes. Beautiful technique.
31 out of 50.
Azim followed. Calm. Silent. Locked in.
One after another. Upper corner. Near post. Under the bar. Left. Right.
50 out of 50.
The academy stopped to watch.
Not a single miss.
Coutinho smiled after. "Alright, alright—you win this one."
Coach Lewtas just scribbled: "Primary Free Kick Taker: Azim."
End of Flashback
Azim stepped back.
IS Target Window – Top Right Bin
Curl Angle: 21°
Wall Height: 2.05m jumping wall
Keeper Position: Left-shifted, reaction delay 0.48s
Execution Color: GREEN
The wall assembled.
Five Norwich players.
John Ruddy (GK) shouted commands.
Azim inhaled.
The stadium seemed to fall silent.
He stepped forward.
Strike. Curl. Whip.
The ball rose over the wall, kissed the Anfield air—and dipped.
Top right. Top bin.
The net rippled.
GOAL!!!! – AZIM (ST)
Liverpool 2 – 0 Norwich City
Martin Tyler (voice rising): "Two! It's two! Azim again! The finesse, the composure, the technique—it's sublime!"
Gary Neville: "You're joking. You cannot see something like this often. That's a statement. This kid is on another level."
Anfield explodes!
The Kop stood. Flags waved. People embraced. The noise was almost unbearable.
Azim didn't smile. He didn't run wildly.
He simply pointed at Coutinho—who grinned and nodded—and then jogged toward the fans.
Two excited fist pumps. One left. One right. And the crowd roared in each punch.
His celebration, his signal.
He had scored twice. And he wasn't finished.
Martin Tyler: "The crowd erupts at Anfield as Abdul Azim marks his second goal on his debut! Precision from the dead ball—curling it into the top corner like he's been doing it for years!"
Gary Neville:"He looks cold, doesn't he? Like he's done this a hundred times before. No nerves. No ego. Just delivers."
Jürgen Klopp could hardly contain himself. His fists flew into the air again, and this time he didn't wait. He jogged toward the touchline to hug Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz.
"That's why we start him," Klopp said, breathless. "He's rewriting the rhythm of this team."
Milner (CDM), sweating but smiling, jogged over. "You're making it look easy, lad."
Coutinho (LW) reached him and whispered, "Next one's yours, right?"
Azim gave a quiet nod. "Only if I miss."
Stadium announcer (loudspeaker):
"SECOND GOAL FOR LIVERPOOL! Scored by number 9… ABDUL!!"
"AZIM!!!"
"ABDUL!!..." "AZIM!!"
"ABDUL!!..." "AZIM!!"
The announcer and fans roared loudly.
22 minute into the game. Match Restart for The Canaries.
Norwich tried to settle. But the damage was done. Azim had opened the match like a storm. A tactical tempest that even seasoned defenders couldn't read.
Klopp shouted instructions, but his voice was almost drowned in the sea of applause. Liverpool weren't just winning.
They were dominating.
Anfield breathed with thunder.
And its chosen figure stood near the halfway line, shoulders still, eyes fixed. Abdul Azim. Number 9. The youngest striker in the league. A blur when in motion, a ghost when still.
The crowd had begun murmuring again. Redmond (RW) had the ball out wide for Norwich, daring Moreno (LB) to commit. Milner (CDM) shadowed in support, creating the triangle press.
Redmond twisted inside. No space.
Forced backwards, the ball rolled to Tettey (CDM), who took a single heavy touch… then sent it square to Dorrans (CDM).
Too slow. Too soft. Too casual.
Azim moved.
IS Interface
Gegenpress Trigger: Zone 14
Interception Probability: 91%
Ball Trajectory Sync: 0.72s read / 3.4m intercept path
Opponent Pass Weakness Index: Dorrans (CDM) – -12% balance (right shoulder bias)
"Execute."
Azim's sprint started like a shadow detaching from the floodlights. One lean forward, and he ignited—his first two steps already covering the angle before Dorrans (CDM) even turned his head.
The moment was silence, then the explosion. The Kop roared—not in response, but in recognition. They knew.
Dorrans (CDM) stretched, desperate. His boot found nothing. Azim's right foot scooped the ball forward, into stride. In one touch he was through the midfield line. By the next, he was running into open pastures with only grass, defenders, and destiny ahead.
Martin (CB) and Bassong (CB) scrambled into position. Norwich's spine creaked.
IS Tactical Overlay
Solo Dribble Execution Success: 96%
Bassong (CB) Reaction Delay: 0.41s – Left Foot Dive Predicted
Martin(CB) Recovery Arc: 2.8s late — engage after second cut
Ruddy (GK) Pre-Jump Read: Early shift left — bottom right opening window 0.73s
"Maintain pace. Fake outside. Engage both. Choose."
Azim angled left—his body shape sold the idea. Bassong (CB) lunged. Perfect.
With a flowing step-over, Azim (ST) dropped his shoulder, dragged the ball to the outside of his right boot, then flicked it forward in one fluid, whiplike motion.
Bassong (CB) missed air.
Martin (CB) stepped—but by then Azim (ST) had already passed him, skipping over the defender's trailing boot with absurd balance. He slowed at the edge of the box, forcing Ruddy (GK) to make the first move.
Ruddy (GK) did. The keeper dove—wrong-footed, early, expecting a shot across body.
Azim (ST) kept his hips closed. His boot followed the natural path.
IS Green Command – Final Execution
Shot Zone: Bottom Right
Keeper Ground Reach Delay: 0.43s
Release Time Optimal: 0.92s
He hit it clean. No backlift. Just a whip across the turf with surgical precision.
The ball zipped low, cruel and quick, curling just inside the far post.
The net bulged.
For the third time that afternoon—Anfield erupted.
Martin Tyler:"HE'S DONE IT! ABDUL AZIM! A HAT-TRICK ON HIS HOME DEBUT!"
Gary Neville:"You just don't see that. Not at this level. Not with that ease."
The scoreboard turned.
Liverpool 3 – 0 Norwich City.
The stadium was shaking, not metaphorically—but literally. Fans in the upper Kop could feel the vibration through the steel. Someone dropped their scarf. Someone else picked it up mid-jump, never breaking rhythm.
But Azim?
He didn't celebrate like a child.
He charged to the corner flag near the Kop. He stopped. Eyes lifted to the sea of red and noise and love and disbelief.
His arms tensed.
FIST PUMP — RIGHT.
FIST PUMP — LEFT.
FIST PUMP — CENTER.
To announce his hattrick.
A full-body war cry in three movements. A signal to the city. A message to the league.
IS Internal Reading:
Crowd Sync: 94.1%
Volume Surge: +28.4 dB
Opponent Morale Collapse Detected: Martin (CB) – Movement Speed Down -11%
Fatigue Suppression: Stable. Physical Load: 14%
Goal Execution Rating: A+
Firmino (CAM) reached him first—leaping onto his back like a brother. Milner (CDM) followed with both hands on Azim's shoulders. Clyne (RB) and Lovren (CB) ran from the halfway line just to touch him. Coutinho (LW) tapped his head once like he was checking for overheating.
But Azim just smiled. Slightly. Controlled.
He looked up at the scoreboard. Three goals. And yet, he didn't even look tired.
Stadium Announcer (Loudspeaker):
"Ladies and gentlemen… That's THREE for the debutant at Anfield today! Your score now: Liverpool 3… Norwich City 0!" A hat-trick for Liverpool! Scorer of the third goal — wearing number 9 — ABDUL!!"
The fans answered, in full voice:"AZIM! AZIM! AZIM!"
The chant spread like wildfire.
Behind Klopp, even Peter Krawietz and Pep Lijnders looked at each other—like they had seen something sacred.
Klopp kept his hands in his pockets, his smile tight, focused.
But then he muttered, almost too quiet to hear:
"That's why we played him."
As the ball returned to the centre circle, and the players reset, Azim looked up into the main stand. His gaze didn't search for family, or friends.
He was listening.
The Kop didn't stop singing.
And Anfield, for that moment, didn't feel like a stadium.
It felt like a cathedral—and Azim had just rung the bell.
----p/s: Do you know some famous commentators? comment below.
----p/s: Y'all still breathing out there? I just wrestled 3,289 words into submission over two nights—my keyboard's begging for mercy. See you legends next week! If the readers don't throw tomatoes, I might bless your Sunday with another chapter. Aight, I'm out for now—gerak luu, pape roger~~