Ngog arrived from Paris Saint Germain for a fee of £1.5 million in the summer of 2008. He was described as one French football's hottest young talents, despite only scoring one goal in 18 league appearances for PSG during the 2007-08 season and caught the eye playing for the French Under-19 side.

He did not cover himself in glory when filling in for Torres and did not win over the Anfield faithful with his five goals in 24 starts in his second season, but proved himself capable of playing in the top flight.

Strengths: Quick and powerful, he has good movement and the agility to cause defenders problems.

Weaknesses: Criticised for a lack of coolness in front of goal and a poor first touch. He does not contribute enough goals for a first-choice striker.

Career high: Scoring a goal in the 96th minute in the 2-0 win over Manchester United in October 2009.

Career low: Shamed after diving to win a penalty against Birmingham in Novemeber 2009 that earned his side a draw.

Style: Pacy, rangy, a tall striker who plays on the shoulder of the last defender.

Quotes: ''When you play instead of Fernando people will always talk but I have confidence in him." Rafael Benitez, April 2010.

Trivia: Ngog is the cousin of France defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.