Gerard Houllier isn't surprised by Nicolas Anelka's success at Chelsea.

"Actually I am not surprised by his explosion," Houllier, who worked with Anelka at Liverpool, said. "That comes with age. He is without doubt one of the most gifted players of his generation - in front of goal, one on one, perhaps the most gifted.

"He certainly has more desire now. Why didn't he explode before now? Maybe he was missing stability."