In 2001/02, Liverpool were lacking firepower in attack. Gerard Houllier decided to sign the nomadic Anelka on a short-term deal for the rest of the season. The Frenchman fitted in well at Merseyside, and although five goals in 22 appearances was far from an incredible return, he added a spark and clearly looked a potential permanent signing the following summer. Instead, Houllier decided to part company with the former Arsenal and Real Madrid star at the end of the campaign, choosing instead to purchase El Hadji Diouf from Lens. The Senegal man ended up being both a horrible human being and a complete waste of money for the Reds, while Anelka enjoyed highly impressive spells at Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea. The classy striker enjoyed a glittering career, scoring many goals and playing for some of the best clubs in Europe. It's just a real shame a bulk of that time wasn't spent at Liverpool, where many feel he would have thrived for years. He was only 23 when they decided not to buy him.
