Happy birthday, Fernando Torres!
The ex-Liverpool striker turns 39 today, and what better way to celebrate than to reminisce over his three best goals in a Liverpool shirt.
His time at Anfield will be remembered for the countless defences he had on the ropes and the formidable partnership he and Steven Gerrard managed to muster up.
Although things ended sourly with El Nino, his contribution to Liverpool was largely favoured back then, and he still remains one of the best strikers to grace Anfield.
Champions League vs Arsenal
When two English came face to face in Europe’s most prestigious competitions, you rely on big moments from big players to take the tie by the scruff on the neck.
That’s exactly what Torres did in 2008 against Arsenal. With the score level at 1-1, a combination between Peter Crouch and Torres set the clash on fire.
Crouch, using his height, nodded a high ball into the path of Torres, who chested it down to gain full control.
In vintage Torres fashion, a quick and measured swivel took an Arsenal defender out of contention where the Spanish international only then needed a pocket of space to rifle it past the keeper – who, let’s be honest, had no chance.
Filthy goal of the day: @Torres against Arsenal in the quarter-final of the Champions League in 2008. #LFCpic.twitter.com/YOuPW8bcZb
— Mick Moran (@Mick_Moran_) April 21, 2020
Solo effort vs Marseille
Torres’ technical ability was highlighted by the way he took this goal against French side Marseille on the biggest footballing stage of them all.
Helping the Reds to an impressive 4-0 win, the Spaniard produced a mazy run as he weaved himself through a flurry of challenges to slot one home in Liverpool black.
Harry Kewell fed him the ball and, in typical Torres fashion, he did the rest.
The No.7 showed some sublime close control and nerve, and this memorable goal will prevail the test of time.
On this day in 2007, @Torres scored one of his most memorable goals for Liverpool in Marseille 🤩pic.twitter.com/oU5qGIlN2l
— GOAL (@goal) December 11, 2020
Volley vs Blackburn Rovers
Torres had scored some tidy goals in his three-and-a-half stint at Liverpool, but the wonder volley against Blackburn takes the crown.
A long ball from the beloved Jamie Carragher found Torres marauding between defenders as he took it down with his chest in the opposing penalty box.
Under pressure, the world-class striker spun and rippled the net with an emphatic volley that sent the crowd into elation.
The impeccable control married with the audacious nature of the strike is wonderful. One for the ages.
Fernando Torres’ volley against Blackburn gets better with every viewing, what a strike. 😍 pic.twitter.com/NFaDfla0FZ
— PLClassics (@PLClassics) July 31, 2021
