DJIBRIL CISSE arrived at Anfield this summer with a reputation for being something of an off-field playboy.

But in his first public appearance yesterday he played an unerringly straight bat.

Sensible, considered, focused - he gave the impression of a young man intent on being here to do a job.

"Who would win a race between him and Thierry Henry?" was one slightly frivolous question.

"I don't know. I am not an athlete," was the somewhat testy response.

But he is a footballer who enjoyed an outstanding record in his farewell season in France - and even though he was not responsible for his arrival at Anfield, coach Rafael Benitez is thrilled to have him on board.

"I think the arrival of Djibril Cisse means that perhaps we have the best forwards in the Premiership," he said bullishly..

"I think our four forwards are similar, but different. Why? Because all of them are fast, but some of them have more technical ability and the others are good in the box.

"We have three options, three different styles and which we use depends on the midfield and depends on the defence.

"In Valencia we changed players almost every match. Here perhaps not as much, because they need to understand the most important thing is the team.

"I want to see how they train and how they play before I decide who starts. But it is not my decision - it is their decision.."

Cisse already has experience of what it is like to play in front of an Anfield gallery, in a UEFA Cup tie for Auxerre two years ago.

It whetted his appetite for what he hopes to experience this season.

"I was fortunate enough to play here a couple of seasons ago with Auxerre so I know what the stadium is like," he said. "It's an excellent stadium, although I don't know too much about the city.

"I'm hoping to learn something soon. But the atmosphere was so good inside the stadium two years ago I'm hoping to impress and do well in front of that crowd."

In the opposition ranks that night was one Michael Owen, and while Cisse is relishing the prospect of partnering the England talisman, his comments remained circumspect and respectful.

"Of course I'm aware of Michael Owen's ability. I've been watching him on television for three years now and in a couple of World Cups," he explained. "But we mustn't forget Florent Sinama Pongolle and Milan Baros.

"They are top goalscorers in their own right and Milan Baros has just become top scorer at Euro 2004.

"I think it's a case of all of us proving ourselves and seeing who has the right to play alongside Michael. It's going to be an interesting battle."

Cisse added: "There has certainly been a lot of activity in the transfer market. Clubs have been busy and there have been plenty of big name signings.

"That's good for the league. It's going to be a great Premier League this season and teams will be very competitive. That can only be good for the competition."

Cisse arrived at Anfield to find a Spanish coach in situ, after negotiating long and hard with his French predecessor.

Did that concern him? He didn't need the playful word of warning from Benitez before he answered.

"I think given all the talks and the contact with Liverpool while Monsieur Houllier was here, it was always going to be a slight cause for concern," he said.

"But the thing is, when you are playing for a team - even if Monsieur Houllier had been here I would have had to fight for a place in the side.

"No-one is guaranteed a place. It would have helped maybe because he was French, but the main thing is the club and Liverpool.

"I'm here and the fans are fantastic and I'm sure they will help me. Irrespective of the manager you still find yourself in the same position if you are a footballer.

"I am a good friend of Sylvain Wiltord and I have spoken to him in great detail about the differences in style over here.

"Our manager said before there were certain things in this country which are more physical and you get away with certain things in this country which would be a foul in France.

"He told me it's a lot more direct and the tempo is very much higher, and hopefully that will help.

"Pires and Petit admitted it took six months to acclimatise to the Premiership.

"Me? It would be nice if it was bit quicker. But there are a lot of other factors which come into play but I will do my utmost and try my hardest."

So what would Cisse measure the success of his first season in England?

"You can only judge your own performance on what the club achieves, so a title for Liverpool would be my best way of measuring my achievement," he said..

Pacy, talented . . . and ambitious. Anfield is expectant.