LFC can unearth their new Torres by signing £68m "monster" who's VVD's worst nightmare - opinion

On the 3rd July 2007, Liverpool broke their transfer record at the time to sign a young forward with the world at his feet.

That player was El Nino, better known to an English audience as Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard was a sensational player in his prime and was signed from Atletico Madrid as one of the hottest properties in European football.

A deal of just £26.5m was agreed and the rest, as they say, was history.

Torres would go on to score 81 times in 142 outings for the Reds before joining Chelsea in a remarkable deal.

Why, I hear you ask, is this relevant in the modern-day? Well, it’s because Liverpool are now chasing another of Europe’s hottest properties.

A record-breaking deal may not be on the cards but with FSG and Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, a potential £68m deal this summer would evoke memories of Torres.

He was just 23 when he joined and in 23 days time, Nunez will turn that age himself.

The parallels are already clear for a player dubbed a “monster” and a “sensational talent” by FOX reporter James Dodd.

Nunez is a young individual who like Torres, has the world at his feet. He is capable of terrorizing defenders and is already one of Virgil van Dijk’s worst nightmares.

Speaking about the Uruguayan after facing him this season, the Dutchman said: “[Sergio] Aguero was obviously unbelievable. [Lionel] Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football in my opinion. [Kylian] Mbappe is different, quick… [Erling] Haaland and also Darwin. He’s a bit similar – very direct, quick, tall, strong and it’s quite difficult to play against him.”

If you trouble van Dijk then you’re clearly good enough to be in Klopp’s side.

With Sadio Mane reportedly leaving it feels essential