Today's HERO

John Arne Riise

Liverpool again proved their dedication to youth with the signing of 20-year-old Norwegian midfielder, John Arne Riise from AS Monaco on a five-year £4million contract in the summer of 2001.

Riise was subject of much Premiership interest before settling on Liverpool, with both Blackburn and Fulham trying to sign him.

Norway's hottest property can be used in midfield and defence, and was a welcome addition to Gerard Houllier's international brigade with his natural left foot and wing-back capabilities.

Riise joined Monaco in 1998 from Norwegian side Aalesund AK, and went on to become a regular member of the 1999-2000 title-winning Monaco side. However, the youngster fell out of favour with coach Claude Puel after admitting his desire to leave.

He soon became popular among the Anfield crowd for his spectacular goals, especially a rocket of a free-kick against Manchester United at Anfield. His performances were a highlight of Liverpool's season.

For his strong performances, he was rewarded with a new deal in the summer of 2002, signing a contract which will keep him at the club until 2007.

During the 2002/03 season, he made 56 appearances for Liverpool, played eight games for Norway and scored eight goals.

The following campaign was slightly disappointing for the Norweigian, as he didn't find his name on the scoresheet once. However, he still put in several impressive performances for both club and country.

In the 2004/05 season he was a fixture in Rafael Benitez's first-team line-up. He made 62 appearances in all competitions, scoring 8 goals, including two in Liverpool's 5-0 mauling of West Brom and one in their Carling Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

He scored four more times in 2005/06 and he continued this fine form in 2006/07 as played over forty games, scoring five goals along the way.