Thompson said: "El-Hadji hasn't had the publicity he deserves. In the last six to eight weeks I think his performance level has been outstanding. His skill and his technique is top class."
"What has warmed him to everyone is his workrate. It is astonishing. For a right midfield player he tracks back and attacks. He chases back and he harries and tackles and the fans have really warmed to him."
"He played a big part in Sunday's game. I have never seen Mikael Silvestre defend so much and on a few occasions El-Hadji turned him inside out."
"Silvestre is part of United's attacking policy, going on over-laps. But he didn't really get that opportunity because El-Hadji was pushing him back."
"He looks extrovert at times but when you know him, he can be quite shy. But he's a lovely lad and he can play an important part in the rest of the season."