Avi Cohen
Defender (1979-1981)
Date of Birth: 14-11-1956
Birthplace: Tel Aviv
Debut : 15th September 1979 v Leeds United (A) Football League Division One: Drew 1-1
1st team games: 23
1st team goals: 1
Other clubs: Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Port Elizabeth (South Africa).
National Team: Israel 51 caps/3 goals
Israeli international Avi Cohen was signed by Bob Paisley from Maccabi Tel Aviv for £200,000 in May 1979.
Cohen made his Reds debut at left back in September 1979 at Elland Road in 1-1 draw with Leeds United but continued to be on the verge of the first team and was mainly used as a covering player for injuries.
In the final game of the 1978-80 season Cohen was part of the Liverpool team that clinched the Championship against Aston Villa at Anfield. He had earlier scored an own goal in front of the Kop to give Villa an equaliser but in the second half made amends when he scored at the same end to put the Reds 2-1 up, and eventually clinch the title in style with a 4-1 win.
However, he didn't win a championship medal as he had only played four games that season. The following season Cohen found himself still behind Alan Kennedy in the pecking order for the left back slot and also faced competition from Richard Money, who was equally capable of covering at in that position.
He left Anfield after his contract was cancelled in November 1981 and he returned to Israel. He later moved on to play for Rangers under Graeme Souness in May 1987.
Honours with Liverpool: None
Avi Cohen