Salif Diao is a tough tackling midfielder playing in much the same role as Dietmar Hamann, and was brought in by Gerard Houllier as cover for the German.
He began his career at French minnows Epinal in December 1996 before moving on to Monaco where he played alongside the likes of Thierry Henry in the Championship winning side of 1997, making twelve appearences.
Diao's move to Liverpool was supposed to have been completed in December 2002, but was brought forward after Steven Gerrard became injured in pre-season.
He has found life at Anfield difficult, particularly after the departure of Gerard Houllier, and spent the 2004/05 season on loan at Birmingham City.