Former Liverpool player Djimi Traore does what Steven Gerrard couldn't and wins MLS Cup

Traore lifted the trophy with the side as an assistant coach following their victory over Toronto FC in Saturday's final

Samuel Lovett
Sunday 11 December 2016 13:27 EST
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Djimi Traore in action for Liverpool during a Premiership match against Charlton Athletic, March 4, 2006
Djimi Traore in action for Liverpool during a Premiership match against Charlton Athletic, March 4, 2006 (Getty)

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Distinguished as Steven Gerrard was, the player was never quite able to replicate his Liverpool success with MLS side LA Galaxy.

But while the ex-England international may have struggled across the pond, it’s a different story for former Liverpool cult hero Djimi Traore.

Indeed, the Malian has succeeded where Gerrard failed – by getting his hands on the MLS Cup.

Traore is assistant coach at the Seattle Sounders, who lifted the trophy for the first time in their history after beating Toronto FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in Saturday’s final.

Like Gerrard, who recently announced his retirement from the sport, the former Mali international ended his playing career in America.

After spending almost eight years at Anfield, Traore went on to join the likes of Charlton, Portsmouth and Monaco before evening up in Seattle.

After announcing his retirement in 2014, Traore was later appointed as a coaching staff for the Sounders second team before being promoted to the first-team backroom staff for the start of this season.

Gerrard, on the other hand, failed to reach the MLS Cup final in either of his two seasons with LA Galaxy.

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