Even though the Malian was not on the scoresheet, he dished out two assists to help the 10-man Sevilla turn their first-half trailing to an impressive away victory.

"Kanoute showed what we all already knew about his footballing and human qualities," said Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez after the Primera Liga win.

"He was struggling with an Achilles problem and was only risked because the team were losing and with a player less."

Defender Jose Crespo, who was replaced by Kanoute, has also hailed the influence of the 31-year-old forward on the game at Riazor.

"Kanoute has been the man of the match, it's thanks to him we got the win," said Crespo.

"We noticed his impact a lot in the second half and at the end we got the win."

Finally, the former Tottenham hitman was glad with his own performance, saying it was his best since joining the Sevillans.

"It's been the best game that I've had in a long time," said Kanoute.

"To come onto the pitch and contribute things is always good. It could have been my most complete performance since I've been at Sevilla."