El Hadji Diouf

A gifted and volatile Senegalese forward, El Hadji Diouf was a player of flair, provocation and uncomfortable unpredictability. Quick, skilful and slippery in one-on-one situations, he could play wide or as a second striker, carrying the ball with confidence and attacking defenders with real personality. His 2002 World Cup with Senegal made him look like one of the most exciting forwards in world football, full of speed, swagger and creative danger. At club level, especially after moving to Liverpool, the story became far less smooth, with inconsistency, controversy and poor finishing limiting the impact his talent promised. He was not a natural goalscorer, nor an easy player to manage, but on his best days he brought chaos, courage and street-football arrogance. A