'Diouf is on same level as three Rs'

Arsenal will face £10 million striker El Hadji Diouf on Sunday with Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier comparing his new signing to the three Rs from Brazil.

The exciting African Player of the Year, who helped Senegal beat France 1-0 in the opening game of the World Cup, is certain to play some part in the Community Shield at Cardiff 's Millennium Stadium.

Houllier promises the striker will provide plenty of thrills in the manner of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho this season.

"If Diouf had a Brazilian passport people would be in awe of his talent," said Houllier.

"He is world class and it was a good job for us we signed him before the World Cup when everyone saw what he could do.

"He had other offers but he wanted to join us. I like to have five forwards and he is a replacement for Robbie Fowler and Nicolas Anelka."

Houllier, who is hoping to lead Liverpool to their first championship since 1990 after finishing runners-up last season, has been boosted by a £15 million three-year sponsorship deal with Carlsberg.

The company first sponsored Liverpool in 1992 and the club's chief executive, Rick Parry, said: "It doesn't mean Gerard will immediately be given £15m to spend but this is extra revenue for the club and some of it can be handed over for players."