Diouf - Senegal's star in qualifying. (Allsport)
EL HADJI DIOUF
Position: Forward
Born: 15.01.81
Club: Lens There is little doubt who the star of Senegal's qualifying campaign was - El Hadji Diouf.
The Lens striker netted nine of his side's 14 goals as they booked their first visit to the World Cup on goal difference.
His strikes included back-to-back hat-tricks, against Algeria and Namibia, and marked him out as one to watch in the Far East.
Diouf's eye for goal has earned him the nickname 'Serial Killer' but there is more to him than just a finisher.
He runs well both with and without the ball and has tremendous close control - and it is those skills that saw him beat off tough competition to be named African Footballer of the Year for both 2001 and 2002.
The 21-year-old is a former Sochaux and Rennes star but burst through at Lens and forced his way into the Senegal side during their qualification campaign, making his debut against Egypt.
His link-up with Pape Thiaw has been a revelation and a lot will be expected of their partnership.
|