Headers rarely make a list of Top 100 great goals lists, but at #94, Luis Garcia has done exactly that with a splendidly taken acrobatic header against Fulham in a 4-0 victory in the 2006-2007 season.
Luis Garcia scored a plethora of memorable goals in his short three season stint at Liverpool, earning himself legendary status along the way. This goal, though, showed that there was more to his game than many realized or gave credit for. King Luis was not a one-trick pony. He could score goals from anywhere, typically in spectacular fashion, and this goal was no different. Already up 2-0 in the match, Liverpool were flying at Anfield and a John Arne Riise short throw-in to Kewell seemed harmless enough. Kewell crossed surprisingly well with his right foot into the area and what came next completely stunned the keeper, leaving him stuck in cement. Garcia’s header came about 16-17 yards from goal, but importantly, he was facing the wrong direction as he headed it. Looking towards the left flank and positioned towards left-center in the box, King Luis shockingly stretched his neck muscles enough to not only redirect his header towards the FAR post (most would have gone near, that’s for sure), but off of the bar and in. To head with such power AND accuracy in the position he was in was not just immaculate, but totally unreasonable. That’s what made it such a special goal.
Often times people remember his Anderlecht header (you’ll see that later in the countdown), but this one should not be forgotten. Similar to the Anderlecht goal, and indeed Gerrard’s header against Milan in the Champions League final, the goal defied the odds of what is to be expected from headers. Usually you have the towering Sami Hyypia style headers that are all about power, or you’ll get the diving headers of Klinsmann and Gerrard lore. Instead, Luis Garcia often went with the mechanical neck approach and swung them off to the opposite side, leaving multiple keepers completely wrong-footed. He was such an intelligent little player, and it is a shame that his injury suffered only a few months after this goal saw him come back as a shadow of his former self. During his time at Anfield, Luis developed a reputation as a conjurer of magical moments… someone who could pull a rabbit out of the hat at the crucial moment and stun the world with his skill and goal-scoring heroics. We certainly miss that creativity in today’s Liverpool side, and will never forget our special #10.
Why #94?
Luis Garcia’s goal comes in the list for it’s incredible difficulty and placement, as well as the fact it came from such a small player. It would be higher if it was at a more difficult angle or if the keeper actually made an attempt for it. But that said, it totally deserves a place in this list… that much is certain!
