LUIS GARCIA believes that in Fernando Torres, Liverpool have the striker to fire them to Premier League title glory.

The midfielder, a hero of Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League final triumph in Istanbul, has returned to Anfield for the first time since his move to Atletico Madrid 15 months ago when Torres made his £20million move to Merseyside.

He will line up against his former team-mates tonight for a Group D clash that could decide who qualifies in pole position for the last 16.

The 30-year-old will always have a special place in Liverpool history, and even on his arrival at John Lennon airport yesterday he was given a tremendous welcome by fans after his three-year stay at the club. But now he will be concentrating on stopping Liverpool’s progress in this season’s competition.

His view, though, on 24-year-old Torres – who is battling to be fit following a hamstring injury – is clear. Garcia said: “When I was here we did not have player who can score 20 goals a season, we tried to find one, but we certainly did not have one like Torres.

“Torres has given Liverpool that extra dimension, he is scoring in the Premier League and in Europe. He got 33 last season and can do the same again. In the Premier League you need a player who can give you that, and that is why they are a better team now with Fernando in their team.”

He added: “This will be a special game for me personally, but it should be for anyone playing here at this stadium with such a fantastic atmosphere.

“I spent several years here and enjoyed the time – it is a special occasion for me.

“I even had a big reception at the airport. I have had messages of goodwill from fans, letters and emails. It is great to come back and see these people again.

“A special part in my heart will always be with these people at this club and in this city.

“I still remember a lot of people from when I was here, fans and players. And now their squad is much bigger than when I was here, and we could not do that when I was here.