Not sure that the most efficient kitchen mixer is capable of such a whipped effect. On Wednesday night at Anfield, a football player defied gravity. We were playing the 52nd minute in this temple of the game, Liverpool conceded a draw against FC Porto, when Thiago Alcantara, brilliant midfielder too often injured, scored a sensational goal.
The Spain international (30) beat the opposing goalkeeper with a staggering shot in a game that ended up winning 4-0. Set back 35 meters from the goal on a free kick from his own, Alcantara saw the ball return to him. He shifts and takes his chance on the outside of the right foot. The continuation: a rocket which will begin by going down towards the ground to graze a few blades of grass before going up slightly and find the small opposite net.
Several times are necessary to admire all the work given to this strike worthy of local legend Steven Gerrard. In general, a coiled ball refers to a strike that gains height before descending towards the frame. Here it is quite the opposite. A rare inspiration, a bit like that of Roberto Carlos during his famous brushed free kick against France in 1997.
“Even with this technique, it cannot happen constantly”
Like the two Reds defenders Konaté and Matip, there are many in the stands who had to put their hands on their heads to make sure they had just seen what they had just seen.
“It’s just an incredible goal of course,” said Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp. “I see Thiago in training, I know he has the technique to do it but even with this technique, it cannot happen constantly.” Not constantly but as often as possible, hopefully.
