Jari Litmanen

Finland's finest football export, Jari was languishing in Barcelona's second team when Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier signed him up.

He made his debut as a substitute in the Worthington Cup Semi-Final first leg match against Crystal Palace and almost immediately made a decisive impact.

With the Reds trailing 2-0, he set up Vladimir Smicer for a goal to reduce the deficit and pave the way for a crushing 5-0 second leg victory in which he also starred.

His first goal for Liverpool was a penalty at Sunderland in February to square the match at 1-1 and he scored another spot kick in the FA Cup Fifth Round victory over Manchester City.

Sadly he missed the next four matches with a calf injury and, then after returning to the team in March, his season was ended prematurely by a broken wrist incurred while playing for Finland against England at Anfield.

Jari was outstanding on that occasion and only a wonderful save by David Seaman kept out his last minute header that might have salvaged a draw for his country.

Although, he missed the exciting climax to Liverpool's season he did enough to show that he could be a key figure.

Playing in the 'hole' behind the front two, he added a new dimension to the team's attacking play, providing some much needed variety and attacking options.

Jari joined Fulham in January 2008 with a contract to June 2008.