"Nobody knew of him before I signed him," said the Liverpool manager of Diouf, who came to Anfield from Lens for �10m in the summer.

"This was only his second league game but he's a fast learner and is already a typical Liverpool player - he runs his legs off!"

"Diouf covers so much ground and is prepared to sacrifice himself for the team by working so hard.

"He can play right, left or in the centre and I like his skill and attitude.

"He will help us go further, we need all the skilful players we can get.

"He has the right attitude to the game, he's only 21 and there's so much more to come."