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With eight goals in nine qualifying games, El Hadji
Diouf is Senegal's undisputed star and was largely responsible
for helping the tiny West African nation qualify for
its first World Cup.
Diouf, instantly recognizable on the pitch by his peroxide
hairstyle, is one of the hottest commodities in African
soccer today. The 21-year-old striker was named the
2001 African Footballer of the Year, catapulting him
to unforeseen heights of superstardom.
An explosive forward who plays for Lens in Le Championnat
(French first division), Diouf will be one of the breakout
stars at this year's World Cup. Hadji Diouf is an elegant
player, beguiling defenders with his sublime dribbling
skills and a deft scoring touch.
The son of a former top goal scorer in Senegal, Diouf
was a teenage prodigy. He signed with French club Sochaux
and made his French league debut in 1998 at age 17.
The following year, Rennes shelled out $4.69 million
(U.S.) for his services. After a long series of disciplinary
problems, Rennes decided to cut its losses and sent
Diouf on a loan to Lens in 2000.
The loan deal became permanent and Diouf was able to
raise his game, netting eight goals in his first season
with Lens. The following year, he quickly established
himself as one of the emerging young stars in the French
league, scoring 10 goals and helping Lens to a second
place finish.
The change in scenery seemed to benefit Diouf's frame
of mind and work ethic.
"I had to fight to get where I am today. The lesson
is that you get what you want with a good dose of perseverance
and dignity," Diouf said in a recent issue of African
Football magazine.
His marvellous form for Lens and impressive goal scoring
record for Senegal in the World Cup qualifying games
hasn't gone unnoticed by Europe's biggest soccer clubs.
Juventus, Real Madrid and Liverpool have all shown a
keen interest in him, making informal inquiries with
Lens about purchasing the dangerous striker for next
season.
But on the eve of his first appearance on international
soccer's biggest stage, Diouf's focus was on Senegal's
game against defending champion France to open the 2002
World Cup.
"I'm only think about tomorrow, not about my future
or my next club," said Diouf. "My presence here is to
prove my (worth)."
And that of Senegal in international soccer.
"We want to show we have guts," Diouf said simply.
With files from Associated Press
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