Liverpool Fans' 8 Most Disliked Players Of The Modern Era

4. Salif Diao

When Salif Diao was signed by Houllier prior to the 2002 World Cup, many Liverpool fans were fairly underwhelmed. They then saw him put in a string of highly impressive performances at the tournament for Senegal, and there was suddenly an excitement that the midfielder could be a very fine acquisition. It didn't take long for people to realise that Diao was simply not cut out for life in the Premier League though, and his distinctly average performances made him an instantly unpopular player. He also lacked a little effort at times, which as we all know, is just asking for trouble with English fans. He was played out of position by Houllier at times, but it was still no excuse. He was out of his depth, plain and simple. Diao made just seven appearances in his second season, as he fell further and further down the pecking order, and although Rafa Benitez gave him a chance to prove himself having replaced Houllier, a string of unacceptable displays saw him deemed surplus to requirements. Liverpool's fans simply never warmed to Diao whatsoever, and his performances never warranted anything other than criticism.