Liverpool Profiles: Get to Know Abdi Sharif
 | First Name: Abdi Last Name: Sharif DOB: January 1, 2001 Birthplace: Somalia Position: MF/RB/CB Instagram: @abdisharif6 Twitter: @abdisharif01 |
From Steven Gerrard and Jaimie Carragher to Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s native Scouse sons have always had a special place in the hearts of Liverpool supporters worldwide. Liverpool – the city of the club’s creation, the namesake of the club, and the home of some of the club’s most iconic legends – is the hometown of one of our academy’s most versatile players, Abdi Sharif.
Born in Somalia, Abdi’s family immigrated to the UK when he was only six years old, settling in Toxteth, Liverpool. Three years later he joined the Liverpool FC academy and has been at the club ever since. He made his U16 debut in 2016, and signed his first professional contract in 2019.
Versatile and speedy, Sharif is capable of playing multiple positions in the midfield and defense, although he has stated that his desire is to play in central midfield. In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, Sharif said that:
“Midfield’s the position I want to play in, but if the team needs a position to be played then I’m always up for that. I’m always available.”
When asked, Sharif named fellow Scouser and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as his main idol and role model. Sharif was fortunate to be able to train under Gerrard himself when he was in charge of the Liverpool youth team prior to the Red’s legend move to manage Scottish giants Rangers FC. Speaking about Sharif, Gerrard claimed he could “physically hit big numbers…he’s a very strong runner.”
During the 2018-19 season Abdi was a key member of the Liverpool squad that won the FA Youth Cup against Man City, scoring a penalty in the final shootout.
A citizen of Somalia and England, he is eligible to represent the Three Lions and the Ocean Stars of Somalia. Sharif has yet to make his first team debut, but with Liverpool recently offering him his first professional contract, he is an exciting player to keep an eye on for the future.