10 Players Who Didn't Fulfil Their Potential At Liverpool

5. El Hadji Diouf

Houllier's decision to sign Diouf instead of Nicolas Anelka in the summer of 2002 still rankles many Liverpool fans, with the former Senegal international not only a huge letdown on the pitch, but also one of the most dislikable players to ever wear the famous shirt. His performances at the 2002 World Cup were, in fairness, very impressive - contrary to popular belief he had already signed for Liverpool before the tournament - but when he arrived in England he looked a shadow of the player that tore France to shreds in South Korea a month or two earlier. The then 21-year-old actually scored twice on his Anfield debut against Southampton, and everything looked rosy. Unfortunately he only scored one more league goal throughout the entire 2002/03 campaign. This led to Houllier using him as a right-winger, such was his ineffectiveness as a striker. His first season was otherwise remembered for a disgraceful moment against Celtic in the UEFA Cup, in which he spat at an opposing fan. The 2003/04 season - his last for the club - was even worse, as he failed to find the net in any of his 33 appearances in all competitions. Having been sent on loan to Bolton Wanderers the following season, he joined them permanently a year later, bringing an end to a terrible two years at Liverpool.