So just what does it take for a player to be considered as a Liverpool legend?
I was recently listening to a radio debate, when the following question was posed; "what does Fernando Torres have to do to become a Liverpool Legend?" It was suggested that in an All-time Liverpool 11, Kenny Dalglish would automatically fill one of the two strikers slots. But who would fill the other one?
At Liverpool we have been treated to a great host of strikers, ranging from the original King Kenny, to the prolific Ian Rush. In the 90's there was "God," Robbie Fowler, or the teenage sensation Michael Owen. Other names to be mentioned are the formidable partnership of Kevin Keegan and John Toshack; and dare we forget Billy Liddell? However, the new kid on the block goes by the name of 'El Nino,' or the 'Baby Faced Assassin.' Of course this is our current No. 9, Fernando Torres.
Since signing for a reported fee between £20-27.5m, El Nino has gone on to stir the Kop into a frenzy on more than one occasion, whilst also bringing heartbreak to his opponents. We all look back fondly at his first league goal against Chelsea at Anfield in 2007, as he majestically burst past John Terry, and slotted past Peter Cech. Torres has now gone on to score a total of 54 goals for Liverpool, the latest 3 of these goals came against the 6-1 demolition of Hull.
In the performance against Hull Torres showed just how effective he can be. The performance saw many pundits again join the queue to praise Torres and hail him as "one of the world's best." Now whilst it may seem foolhardy to use that term after what was unquestionably a good performance, many find it hard to argue otherwise. Torres's record is sensational. He has only been at Anfield for just over two seasons, and now he's scored 8 goals in 7 games this season. Just how good can he get?
Torres' steady development at Anfield can't be questioned. However, what is becoming noticeable is his temperament. In more and more games, he has been complaining to the referee and becoming increasingly frustrated with opposition's treatment of him. This prompted Rafa Benitez to issue a statement informing Torres that he needs to "stop arguing" with officials and that he can't be "distracted" by the treatment dished out to him by opposing defenders.
Torres is certainly going to be targeted more by opposing defenders because of his role of the 'lone striker;' this makes it easier for the opposition to give him rough treatment, but he has to cope with this if he is to become "the best striker in the world." But given his rapid development so far in his young Liverpool career, there is no reason why he can't take the step to the next level.
So where does this leave Fernando Torres in comparison to Liverpool's other great strikers? Has he achieved enough to get into that 'All-time Eleven?" Kenny Dalglish is already in one of the two strikers slots; so the remaining slot must go to one of the afore mentioned strikers earlier mentioned. I do not believe that Torres has yet achieved enough to be considered ahead of Ian Rush or indeed Robbie Fowler. It is not possible to argue Torres hasn't won over the hearts of most Liverpool fans with his performances, he is adored my most Kopites! But I do not agree that he has achieved more than Ian Rush or Robbie Fowler did in their time at the club.
Success must be measured in relation to the club's situation at the period a player wore the Red shirt. For example, Ian Rush played for the Reds at the time they were at their peak, winning Leagues, European Cups, and enjoyed near total domination. At this time Liverpool beat Roma in the European Cup final, and won the league on numerous occasions. Rush even went abroad to Juventus for a year, then came back to play for Liverpool and enjoy continued success, setting records which are still in place today! For these achievements, Rush has to be considered as one of the club's greatest ever strikers.
Robbie Fowler played at the club during the 90's, when there was a young first team developing into something which had potential to be very special. Graeme Souness gave him his debut in January 1993, and was rewarded with a goal in a cup tie against Fulham. During the 90's however, the Reds went through a stage of transition changing managers three times. One of the things Fowler will be remembered for is the key goals he scored in Liverpool's run to the Treble in the 2000/2001 season. Current manager Rafa Benitez saw Fowler's ability and gave him the chance of a final 'swan-song' by re-signing him from Manchester City in January 2006. So clearly Fowler enjoyed great success during his time at the club, and clearly did enough to be a strong contender for a place in the All-time 11.
Now Fernando Torres is the striker setting new records for Liverpool. He has yet to win a trophy with Liverpool, and so this counts against him when compared to Fowler and Rush. However, the impact he has had on the club since his arrival, lends weight to his case. Even Fowler and Rush must watch on in awe as El Nino improves each month. He has scored vital goals for the club to help them finish 2nd in the Premier League last season, and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League the season before.
So when you compare the situations each player faced during his time at the Reds, Torres is certainly fast developing a case to argue his inclusion as a Liverpool Legend. However, he still needs to develop his game further, to take that next step to become a legend. Perhaps once he has helped Liverpool clinch their first League title since 1990 or their sixth European Cup, he will be ahead of Fowler and Rush. For now though, Ian Rush has to be considered as the striker to stand alongside Kenny Dalglish in Liverpool's All-time 11 and a Liverpool Legend.
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