Trent Alexander-Arnold is clearly a young man who loves football and that was very much on show during his in depth interview with Gary Neville.

Speaking on The Overlap, the Scouser was asked to name his three dream dinner guests and said: “I’d say; Stevie G, Zidane and probably Ronaldo I’d say.”

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold names ex-Liverpool transfer target as ‘best friend in football’

Naming all three is not really a surprise for someone who adores the game but perhaps links to a former Manchester United man may shock some.

Perhaps one day this meeting of minds could come to fruition although we’d all probably most like to hear the two boyhood Reds sharing their Anfield insights.

You can watch Alexander-Arnold’s dinner guest comments (from 13:14) via The Overlap on YouTube:

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Jurgen Klopp and Steven Gerrard are two icons of our club and although they never shared any time in the first team together, they have a great bond.

This was on show when the pair were reunited ahead of the legends game at Anfield, with a loving embrace being the perfect illustration of their relationship.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Gregory Vignal on ‘unbelievable’ feeling of scoring in front of the Kop for LFC Legends

In another time, the Scouser would have been hotly tipped to replace the German as our boss but this doesn’t currently seem to be the case.

You can watch the video of Klopp and Gerrard (from 2:06) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Liverpool is one of the most popular football clubs in the world and, where English football is concerned, one of the most historic. The Reds have been around since 1892 and have produced some of the best players the sport has ever known.

The likes of Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard are some of the most recognisable names in football, and they became era-defining legends at Anfield.

With numerous footballers leaving Europe for the MLS in the United States towards the twilight of their careers, several Liverpool players have made the switch to the American top flight.

Here are five of the best.

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Steven Gerrard

Gerrard, or Stevie G as he’s affectionately known, is one of the most famous midfielders to ever represent Liverpool and England. He debuted for the first team in 1998 and went on to play 17 seasons with the Reds, whom he captained for 12 years.

Now the manager of Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq, the 43-year-old was known for his passing and scoring ability, as well as his excellent leadership. While he was never able to win the Premier League with LFC, he did help them to win the Champions League, two FA Cups, and three League Cups.

He left the club in 2015 having made 710 appearances, moving to LA Galaxy. His stay in California comprised just 39 games, but he contributed five goals and 15 assists before leaving to pursue a career in management.

READ MORE: (Video) Caoimhin Kelleher casually sent £43m maestro on a wild goose chase during Ireland clash

Djimi Traore

Traore was part of the Liverpool team which won the Champions League in 2005, and he played a major role in their triumph in Istanbul that year, although some best remember him for a shocking own goal which saw the Reds eliminated from the FA Cup by Burnley earlier that year.

The Malian made 141 appearances for Liverpool before his departure in 2006. He played for several other clubs before joining Seattle Sounders in 2013, with one of his most memorable performances seeing him produce an incredible volleyed goal from 30 yards in a CONCACAF Champions League fixture.

He subsequently became the team’s assistant manager before leaving in 2021. He’s now a coach with the Right To Dream Academy in Ghana.

Xherdan Shaqiri

The Swiss attacker joined Liverpool in 2018 after spells at Basel, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Stoke City. He made 45 appearances for the Reds, netting seven goals, before he was released upon the end of his contract after three years.

Shaqiri agreed to a deal with French club Lyon but things went sour after just four months. He moved to the MLS in 2022, joining Chicago Fire, where he still plies his trade.

They are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference after four games of the 2024 MLS season, with Charlotte FC breathing down their necks in 11th place. This could make things interesting for sports betting in North Carolina when they face off on May 15.

READ MORE: Ex-Sky presenter claims to have Alonso ‘information’ which could have Liverpool fans rejoicing

Robbie Keane

Keane left Tottenham Hotspur for Liverpool in 2008 following a successful spell which saw him score 80 goals for the north London outfit.

in tandem with Fernando Torres, the goalscoring burden lay on his shoulders, with expectations high after his £19m move. Unfortunately, he was not able to replicate his Spurs form on Merseyside and he returned to his previous club after just six months.

The Irishman joined LA Galaxy in 2011 after spells at West Ham and Celtic. He had quite an enjoyable time in the States as he registered a whopping 105 goals in 170 games, winning three MLS Cups while earning MLS MVP and MLS Cup MVP honors.

He returned to England for a short loan spell with Aston Villa in 2016 before moving to Indian Super League side ATK. He’s now the manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel.

Roy Evans

The Liverpool legend also played in the United States, though not in the MLS.

Evans, who joined the Reds in 1963 and spent almost his entire career with them, played 19 games for Philadelphia Atoms in the North American Soccer League in the summer of 1973, scoring twice.

“We ended up winning the league and becoming the first rookie team to win a national championship in the USA in any sport,” he told LFChistory.net.

Evans went on to become Liverpool manager in 1994, holding the reins until 1998, when a co-management experiment alongside the late Gerard Houllier didn’t last and the Frenchman was duly left in sole charge. 

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Steven Gerrard returned to Anfield for the Liverpool Legends match this afternoon, and he gave some Reds supporters a memento or two to cherish prior to kick-off.

The 43-year-old gave his time to a group of fans gathered near the dugouts, stopping to sign a few autographs and pose for photographs with those fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.

It’s now been almost nine years since our legendary former captain last played for the club, but clearly he’s still very much a man in demand when it comes to an opportunity for a pre-match memento.

It’s wonderful to see Gerrard being so giving of his time, enabling those supporters to come away from Anfield later with a memory to savour.

You can view the video of Eriksson and Barnes below, via @empireofthekop on X:

Stevie with the fans before kick off #LFC pic.twitter.com/4h65SxvaFG

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 23, 2024

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The Liverpool legends squad is assembling ahead of a game with Ajax and with all eyes on the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, one teammate has his eyes set on a training session meeting with the pair.

Speaking exclusively with Empire of the Kop’s Substack, Gregory Vignal was asked about fears of a test in training against the ex-Red duo and provided the perfect comeback of: “A test for them as well!”

It seems then that the Frenchman will be trying to ensure that he can give a good account of himself at the AXA Training Centre, before playing at Anfield.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Liverpool Legend on playing for Eriksson at Anfield in Ajax Legends game

It was of course all said in good spirit, as old friends are reunited for the great cause of helping the LFC Foundation – who in turn help those in areas of high need and deprivation across the Liverpool City Region.

Add on that Sven-Goran Eriksson is also being handed a chance to manage the team, it’s set to be a really special occasion for all those inside the stadium.

It’s easy to forget why we all fall in love with football and moments like this weekend’s meeting will show why the sport can be much more than a game.

READ MORE: (Image) ‘Baffling’: Ex-Red questions decision for Fernandes to not be sent off against Liverpool

Everyone will have their heart set on seeing one former hero performing for the Reds one more time and it’s a real chance to roll back the years and relax for once, ahead of a tense title run-in.

Let’s hope that the Dutch visitors will be put to the sword by our former players too!

You can view the full interview with Gregory Vignal via our Substack!

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

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Three former Liverpool players have sent heartfelt messages of support and gratitude to Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of tomorrow’s Legends match at Anfield.

The 76-year-old will take charge of the LFC side for the fixture against Ajax, having been given the opportunity after revealing in January that he has ‘at best’ a year to live following a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The former England manager spoke to Channel 4 ahead of Saturday’s fixture, with commentator Steve Bower showing him a video of several ex-Three Lions players paying tribute to him.

Joe Cole thanked Eriksson for making his ‘dream come true’ by selecting him for two World Cups, while Michael Owen wished him ‘all the very best’.

Steven Gerrard, who’s part of the Liverpool Legends squad this weekend, sent the 76-year-old his ‘love and support’ and said that it’ll be ‘really special’ to see him person at Anfield.

The match promises to be a wonderful occasion, not least because of Sven’s involvement. We hope he thoroughly enjoys fulfilling a lifelong ambition to manage the Reds tomorrow – he can be assured of the warmest of receptions in L4.

You can view the tributes to Eriksson below (from 8:14), via Channel 4 Sport on YouTube:

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Liverpool Football Club, with its storied history and rich tapestry of success, has been home to some of the football world’s most iconic players.

The club’s ethos, characterised by the famous “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” has resonated not just through the terraces of Anfield but also through the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.

Selecting the five best players from such an illustrious pool is no small feat, yet certain names have left an indelible mark on the club’s legacy, transcending generations with their skill, leadership, and dedication.

These are the players you’d use a bet365 bonus code on when you went to the bookie to place a wager. Their odds of coming out on top on the field were often sure things during the peaks of their careers. Here, we celebrate these legends, whose contributions have been pivotal in shaping the identity and success of Liverpool.

1. Kenny Dalglish

Kenny Dalglish, affectionately known as “King Kenny” by the Liverpool faithful, embodies the spirit and success of the club like no other. Arriving from Celtic in 1977, Dalglish’s impact was immediate, filling the void left by Kevin Keegan’s departure.

With a remarkable blend of skill, intelligence, and scoring ability, Dalglish led Liverpool to numerous domestic and European triumphs, including three European Cups. His legacy continued beyond his playing days as he took on the managerial role, further entrenching his status as a Liverpool legend.

2. Steven Gerrard

A product of Liverpool’s youth academy, Steven Gerrard spent the entirety of his illustrious playing career at Liverpool, becoming the epitome of loyalty and passion.

The Scouser’s leadership, versatility, and knack for scoring crucial goals, especially from midfield, were instrumental in Liverpool’s successes, including the miraculous Champions League victory in 2005.

Such was the magnitude of the feat, Thierry Henry was highly critical of one awards decision in the aftermath: “It was a disgrace he didn’t win European Footballer of the Year after Istanbul in 2005 and, for me, he will be regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time,” the former Arsenal striker was quoted as saying by Planet Football.

His ability to inspire his team and fans alike cements his place as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.

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3. Ian Rush

Ian Rush, Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer, terrorised defenses with his pace, predatory instincts, and lethal finishing. His partnership with Kenny Dalglish is the stuff of legend, yielding an abundance of goals. Rush’s contributions were crucial in Liverpool’s dominance both domestically and in Europe during the 1980s. His scoring records stand as a testament to his prowess and impact on the club.

4. John Barnes

John Barnes dazzled Anfield with his flair, skill, and creativity after joining Liverpool from Watford in 1987. As a winger, Barnes was ahead of his time, combining pace, strength, and exceptional dribbling ability to become one of the most feared attackers in the league. His role was pivotal in the club’s late 1980s success, and he remains one of the most talented and influential players to have donned the famous red shirt.

5. Jamie Carragher

While perhaps not as globally celebrated as some of his peers, Jamie Carragher’s contribution to the Reds cannot be overstated. A versatile defender capable of playing across the backline, Carragher’s commitment, resilience, and leadership were exemplary.

His defensive prowess and dedication to the club were key factors in Liverpool’s successes, particularly during the 2005 Champions League campaign. Carragher’s legacy is not just in the trophies won but in the spirit and determination he embodied.

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Liverpool have had a lot of amazing players in our history but Tim Sherwood believes that when it comes to captains in the Premier League era, none are better than Jordan Henderson.

Speaking on No Tippy Tappy Football, the former Spurs boss selected his ultimate Anfield XI and said: “I’ve got Jordan Henderson in there, for me, he’s the greatest captain Liverpool’s had in the Premier League era.

“Better captain than Gerrard, you know why – because they won the Premier League.”

READ MORE: (Video) Dalglish reveals conversation with Gerrard that led to Henderson signing for Liverpool

It’s testament to the respect that the 55-year-old has for our former skipper, that he views the Sunderland-born midfielder so highly but when most of our fans will see this – they’ll all be touting the name of Steven Gerrard.

Sami Hyypia and Virgil van Dijk will also want a mention but it’s an interesting viewpoint from the former Blackburn Rovers captain.

You can view Sherwood’s thoughts on Henderson (from 3:43) via No Tippy Tappy Football on YouTube:

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Many forget with Jordan Henderson’s longevity at Anfield that it was Kenny Dalglish that signed the midfielder for the Reds and our former manager has provided his insight on how the move came about.

Speaking on ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’, the Scot said about the current Ajax player: “I went to watch a game and I think the game finished up 0-0 – it was boring anyway!

“And [Henderson] was the only one that made a pass, and I said to Stevie, ‘I think we’re gonna go for him.’

“So, he’s a good boy as well, and the way that he got the the other captains in and around and raised the fund for everybody [NHS Charities Together] tells you that he’s he’s quite humane as well.”

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool loanee produces goalkeeping howler; blushes were spared though

It’s clear that the 73-year-old has a lot of respect for the Sunderland-born skipper and that Steven Gerrard was happy to see him move to Merseyside too.

Although his legacy was tarnished with a move to Al-Ettifaq, you can’t question that impeccable performance of the 33-year-old off the pitch before this ill-fated decision.

You can watch Dalglish’s comments on Henderson (from 4:36) via No Tippy Tappy Football on YouTube:

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Liverpool fans are always happy to reminisce about winning the Champions League in 2005 and Dietmar Hamann has provided his unique take on the game.

Speaking on ‘That Peter Crouch Podcast’, the German said: “The guy is in the shower, two minutes later somebody comes, ‘Djimi, you’ve got a carry on’.

READ MORE: Not just Trent: Another ‘key player’ will ‘miss the cup final’ as injuries pile up for Liverpool – report

“Now, once you finish mentally with a game, to get back into that zone, into the focus again, it’s near enough impossible.

“Djimi played as well as anyone in the second half and I always say my hero, the reason we won the Champions League, it’s not me, it’s not Steven Gerrard – it’s Djimi Traore.

“Because he had a goal-line clearance, he had a few last ditch tackles, one of the best tacklers, one of the quickest players and Djimi played as well as anyone and this is what set us apart from other teams.”

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It’s certainly a huge claim from the 50-year-old and just goes to show how underappreciated Djimi Traore’s role was for the Istanbul heroics.

Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Jerzy Dudek will all have fair reason to be considered the biggest influence but the Frenchman was certainly appreciated by his teammate.

You can view Hamann’s comments on Traore (from 15:24) via That Peter Crouch Podcast on YouTube:

EOTK Insider: A tribute to Alex South; a remarkable man with a special Kop moment

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Jamie Carragher has ruffled quite a few feathers over the past day or two by accusing Arsenal of celebrating their win over Liverpool on Sunday to an excessive degree, and he was duly tasked with giving his verdict on famous goal celebrations of the Premier League era.

It featured three standout goals from the Reds – Jurgen Klopp charging onto the pitch after Divock Origi’s derby winner in 2018, Luis Suarez diving in front of David Moyes at Goodison Park in 2012 and Steven Gerrard kissing a pitchside camera at Old Trafford 10 years ago.

The Sky Sports pundit – who couldn’t restrain his glee in live co-commentary for the most recent of those – said it was ‘acceptable’ for the manager to sprint onto the field after the Belgian downed Everton with a dramatic stoppage time winner.

Carragher also labelled his fellow Scouser’s camera celebration ‘iconic’ but admitted that the Uruguayan striker was ‘over the top’ in his trolling of the then-Toffees manager in the October 2012 derby, having scored early that day rather than winning it with a last-gasp goal.

There was also one of the 46-year-old’s own moments thrown in, namely his goal against Fulham in 2006 to end a Premier League drought of almost eight years, when he was mobbed by jubilant teammates, with the Reds’ former number 23 describing it as ‘normal behaviour’.

The next celebrations on which we hope to hear him commenting are league title celebrations in May – fingers crossed!

You can view Carragher’s take on those famous goal celebrations below, via Sky Sports Premier League on YouTube:

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One journalist has claimed that Steven Gerrard would be ‘interested’ in the Liverpool manager’s job if it’s offered to him, but warned that appointing the former Reds captain would be ‘a big risk’.

The 42-year-old is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, where he won six of his first eight games but has masterminded only one victory since the end of September (Transfermarkt), following on from being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 after less than a year in the post.

Writing for GIVEMESPORT, Ben Jacobs doesn’t envisage Anfield chiefs making a move for the legendary player based on how his stock as a coach has fallen over the past couple of years, no matter how much he might like to be given the opportunity to manage his boyhood club.

The journalist stated: “Steven Gerrard will also inevitably be linked, but it would be a big risk given his Premier League record as a manager and the fact he hasn’t won a game with current club Al-Ettifaq since October.

“Gerrard only just signed a new lucrative extension with Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, but Liverpool vacancies don’t come around too often; and it’s clear if Liverpool were to make an approach he would be interested. He should not be viewed as a frontrunner or likely appointment at this stage, though.”

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Gerrard need only look at Frank Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for cautionary tales as to how a playing legend at a big-name club can risk harming their legacy with a far from cerebral spell as their manager.

Had Jurgen Klopp stepped away from Liverpool three years ago, the former Reds captain may have been a prime candidate to take over off the back of guiding Rangers to an unbeaten Scottish Premiership campaign and a first top-flight title in 10 years.

However, the 42-year-old’s troubled spells at Aston Villa and now Al-Ettifaq have damaged his managerial reputation, whereas his old midfield teammate Xabi Alonso is thriving at Bayer Leverkusen, who are firmly in contention for a first-ever Bundesliga triumph.

It’s certainly not implausible that Gerrard could return to Europe and enjoy a very successful spell at another club, thus raising his stock to a level where he might become a more viable candidate to take over at Liverpool in future years.

As Jacobs has said, though, handing him the reins as Klopp’s successor would be an enormous risk, especially given the added scrutiny which’d inevitably be placed upon him externally given his status as a local lad who became one of our greatest ever players.

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Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson are our most recent captains and both would have been equally as shocked as all supporters, when we heard the dreaded news.

After Jurgen Klopp announced that this would be his final season as Liverpool manager, the pair both took to their Instagram stories to share news with one heart emoji.

It’s highly unlikely that the pair decided to do the same thing together but it’s perhaps interesting to see a lack of a more heartfelt approach from the duo who had spent the start of the campaign together in Saudi Arabia.

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Our manager has said that this isn’t the time for goodbye, reflection or long emotional messages but a time for ensuring business as usual carries on until a devastating end.

We can only assume the former skippers will have something up their respective sleeves for the day we are all going to have to prepare for, when the German makes his Anfield farewell.

Not only will it be the most influential of former players sending messages but everyone from all corners of the footballing world.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans won’t believe the official Carabao Cup semi-final team of the round

It’s going to be the most emotional departure from the city that we’ve seen in living memory and all we can do until that day, is show the man in charge just how much we love him.

Every game feels that little bit more important and every atmosphere needs to be that bit more special.

For now, let’s prepare our own message of thanks and farewell – ahead of the day we all knew was coming but never wanted to accept.

You can view Gerrard and Henderson’s posts via their Instagram accounts:

EOTK Insider: A tribute to Alex South; a remarkable man with a special Kop moment

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Jordan Henderson is on the verge of cutting short his highly controversial move to Saudi Arabia, but that seemingly hasn’t deterred Al-Ettifaq from targeting yet another raid on Liverpool.

According to TEAMtalk, Steven Gerrard’s side are interested in a possible move for Thiago Alcantara, who’s free to enter talks with overseas clubs now that he’s into the final six months of his contract at Anfield.

The 32-year-old is reportedly being sought to replace his former Reds teammate in Dammam, with the England international close to securing a permanent transfer to Ajax just six months after arriving in the Middle East (The Athletic).

However, Al-Ettifaq could be hard pressed to swoop for the ex-Barcelona midfielder in January, as Jurgen Klopp remains a huge admirer of the player and would like to retain him for the rest of this season and possibly beyond, if a new deal can be agreed before June.

READ MORE: ‘We have that mentality now’ – Liverpool sent clear message by title rivals’ £120k-p/w midfielder

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Henderson departed for Saudi Arabia last summer with criticism ringing in his ears over moving to a country with an appalling human rights record, proclaiming that he wanted to ‘achieve something special’ and help ‘build’ the league.

However, the reality has turned out to be rather different, with Gerrard’s side languishing in mid-table and occasionally playing in front of fewer than 700 paying spectators.

The 33-year-old’s abortive spell in the Middle East should serve as a warning to Thiago if the Liverpool midfielder is weighing up his next career move, should his contract at Anfield not be extended beyond its June expiry.

A long-term hip injury has unfortunately precluded the Spain international from being involved at any stage so far this season, but when fit he’s one of the most technically gifted players at Klopp’s disposal, and his experience could be massively helpful in the dressing room as the Reds vie for the Premier League title.

LFC’s number 6 may well be approaching the end of his time at Anfield, but he still has enough quality about him to operate at a higher standard than the much-maligned Saudi Pro League, where not even vast wealth can disguise a comparatively inferior level of football.

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Jordan Henderson is reportedly expected to participate in crunch talks over his future in Saudi Arabia with Steven Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq’s sporting director.

Ben Jacobs shared the update in question on X (formerly Twitter) this morning amid allegations of the ex-Liverpool skipper’s unhappiness in the Middle East.

Jordan Henderson is expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi today for Al-Ettifaq's mid-season training camp. Club's position remains they don't want to sell or loan him this window and won't be pressured into doing so.

Henderson is yet to tell the club he wants to leave. Talks… pic.twitter.com/Hnlhdxo5Um

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 14, 2024

The 33-year-old departed Anfield in the summer after Jurgen Klopp made clear that his playing minutes would be naturally reduced for the 2023/24 season.

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What a waste

The first title-winning captain Liverpool have had in years – the man who lifted both the European Cup and Premier League trophy – gone without the farewell his contributions merited.

It all seems such a massive shame to see a man who dedicated the best years of his career to the Reds ultimately get every decision he’s made since the summer wildly wrong.

Fair enough, a drop in minutes is hard to take – but did he really have to throw a tantrum and storm off to Saudi Arabia – abandoning his commitments to the LGBTQI+ community in the process?

Disappointing is putting it mildly.

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