FeatureClassic goal: Crouch's iconic Galatasaray overhead kick

A typically modest description from Peter Crouch of the iconic goal in his Liverpool career, scored spectacularly in a Champions League tie against Galatasaray on this day in 2006.

You’ll already be picturing it as you read these words.

It’s early in the second half at Anfield and Steve Finnan is being Steve Finnan on the right touchline, tussling – successfully – for possession before a deft nudge of the ball beats an opponent and creates space to send in a cross.

The full-back’s lovely delivery loops and falls along its path into the Galatasaray area, landing plum in the centre for the waiting Crouch, already a scorer earlier in the contest.

On another day, in another game, the striker might have sought to stoop for a header or to use his chest and control the ball for a more straightforward chance on goal.

But the Reds are 2-0 up and Crouch is metaphorically flying, netting in four of his last five starts during the opening weeks of his second season at the club.

So, instead, when that Finnan cross comes his way, the No.15 contorts his 6ft 7in frame and suddenly he is literally – majestically – flying, fancying his chances with an overhead kick.

From that airborne position, Crouch’s right foot clatters the arriving ball, dispatching it on a perfect swirl into the right corner of the Turkish visitors’ net.

Goalkeeper Mondragon can do nothing but watch it whistle past him. Luis Garcia, no stranger to stunning Champions League goals, reflexively puts his hands to his head in awe. The Kop roars with acclaim.

“It was amazing, showing all the quality Peter has,” said then-manager Rafael Benitez, whose side would go on to reach the tournament’s final in Athens that campaign.

There was another exhibition of that talent just months later as Crouch produced an almost-identical volleyed finish against Bolton Wanderers in front of the Kop.

The Galatasaray edition continues to resonate, even earning the title of the Champions League’s best acrobatic goal in a 2019 UEFA poll on social media – with a little influence from the man himself.

“I’m sure I won because I was the most desperate one and appealed for help,” said Crouch after beating efforts from Gareth Bale, Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo. “Those boys have won loads, and you’ve got to spread the big trophies around.”

Thoroughly enjoyable, indeed.

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