He said: "Every player has a model they look up to, but I'm Salif Diao, not Patrick Vieira.
"Good players can look at other good players and take something from them but I want to be known for who I am.
"The fans don't know a lot about me. They have only seen me in two or three games so far and they are learning about me all the time.
"I have to show my best for them but I'm not 100 per cent there yet. I have to work hard to get to that level. I think I need a lot more games before I show my best.
"I came to Liverpool early because we wanted to create a similar situation for me as we've had with Milan Baros.
"Like me, he came six months earlier than he was supposed and it made it better for him as he tried to get used to life in England."
But Diao is convinced that his transition to English football will go smoothly due to his passion for the English style and knowledge of the language.
"I think it will be a lot easier for me because I've joined now and I can take my time to settle into the team.
"I also speak English and I like the English style of football which suits me. That helps me to be ready when I'm needed.
"At the moment I'm here for the squad, to work hard and then if the coach needs me he can rely on me to give 100 per cent.
"Whether I play or not, the most important thing is the team.
"I'm enjoying life here a lot. We have a good squad and that's making it very easy for me to settle at Liverpool.
"Our play is getting better and better. The coach is pushing us more and more every time we play.
"You still haven't seen the best of this Liverpool team. We will play even better."
Diao also spoke of his joy at grabbing the winner at Elland Road last week, the first league goal of his career.
"It's always important for a player to score and it was a nice moment for me at Leeds," he said.
"I have scored goals for my national team but I've never scored a goal for any of my previous clubs.
"Now I have two already for Liverpool I hope they won't be my last."