Crouch sets final goal

"Thoroughly enjoyable" is how Peter Crouch describes scoring arguably the best goal of the UEFA Champions League this season. His overhead kick against Galatasaray SK was proof, if any more were needed, of the skill and technique the English international possesses.

'Enjoyable'
"My favourite Champions League memory is probably the goal against Galatasaray where Steve Finnan managed to cross one over and I leapt and scored. [It] was my best goal in the Champions League so far. Thoroughly enjoyable in an important match." That goal in September set Liverpool on their way to their first win of the campaign and they have not looked back since, igniting hopes of a second final appearance in three seasons. Crouch has played a significant part in his side's run to a semi-final against Chelsea FC. Only Kaká has scored more than his six goals, so is there a secret to the 1.98m tall striker's success? "Nothing, we've played well as a team," he said. "The boys are creating chances and we seem to be taking them at the moment. I'm pleased I've scored a few goals in the Champions League this year and I'm hoping I'm not finished yet."

Sudden rise
Crouch's rise has been sudden since joining Liverpool from Southampton FC two years ago, and he is relishing the chance to pit his skills against Europe's best defences. "At the start of my career I was certainly not playing at the level I'm playing at now but I think I've developed as a player. It's great to be playing in the Champions League. You get more experience and I've certainly become a better player playing against the best players in Europe. I've always believed that given the chance I'd succeed at this level and hopefully I'm proving that. I've got to continue that, I can't rest on it as I haven't done anything yet.

'Dream'
"Maybe we'll look back at the end of the season when I'm top goalscorer and we've won the Champions League, that would obviously be the pinnacle." For that dream to come true Liverpool must first overcome Chelsea. Crouch, from west London, knows Chelsea well, his father still supports the club. "I was a ball boy [for Chelsea] and watched them quite a lot. I remember in the old second division we went down and came back up. It's a lot different to where they are now, but certainly I'm looking forward to playing against them, not for that reason but because I want to get to the Champions League final."

'Developed'
Crouch joined Liverpool soon after their thrilling final victory against Milan. Playing alongside team-mates who have won the competition has provided added motivation to experience it for himself. He will at least get to experience an all-England semi-final as Liverpool look to repeat their 1-0 aggregate success over Chelsea two years ago. "They were tight affairs, fantastic games, a lot of drama and I'm sure it will be similar again. I remember watching them and was drawn to both games. The slightest thing, the slightest mistake, the slightest half chance can make the difference and I think it will be the same again. We're desperate to get to that final again – just as Chelsea are."