Few will forget seeing Torres ruin one of the best defenders in Europe, several times
Striker – Fernando Torres
The reaction from the Liverpool fans towards the star Spaniard was classy and shows the respect and quality of the supporters, but Torres does deserve the appreciation.
Mistake in joining Chelsea aside (which still netted us £50m for a declining Torres), he was a revelation at Liverpool, and definitely Rafael Benitez’s best big money buy, and one of his best signings outright.
That first goal against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw in August 2007 was world-class and a sign of things to come. His explosive speed made him a nightmare for defenders, and his control, strength and heading were all extremely impressive, but it was his deadly finishing that made Torres one of the best strikers in world football, opening his Liverpool career with 33 goals in his opening season.
Yet that vital strength of speed was arguably the key to his downfall, as, in a similar manner to Michael Owen, he began to suffer muscle injuries which began to effect his speed and were likely caused by overplaying, having represented Spain annually at international tournaments.
Yet he continued to star for the Reds, with 50 goals in his opening 84 appearances by summer 2009, and another 22 goals in the 2009/10 season.
However, once he suffered knee problems in 2010 and was a bit part player for Spain in their World Cup triumph, Torres was not the same player. Struggling and unsettled under Roy Hodgson in the belief that Liverpool were going backwards, in January 2011 he decided to join Chelsea, having had a brief renaissance under Kenny Dalglish, scoring 9 goals overall in that half-season.
Liverpool sold him at the right time and for a very good price, but the manner of his departure left a bitter taste.
However, time heals wounds, helped by his unsuccessful tenure at Chelsea which showed that, whilst Torres won the trophies he was looking for, he could not produce the same performances that he did for Liverpool.
Now Liverpool fans probably respect his decision to move to Atletico Madrid, which perhaps has fully mended the fracture in the relationship from the Chelsea move.
Regardless, certainly all Liverpool fans will remember the good times he provided for the club, with an incredible 81 goals in 142 appearances and causing nightmares for Nemanja Vidic!
