Three hat-tricks (February and March 2008, September 2009)

A League Cup hat-trick at Reading saw Torres send an early warning to defences throughout England and two more trebles followed in his stunning debut year, in which he netted 33 times, to qualify for this list.

Middlesbrough and West Ham United succumbed to the No.9’s efficiency and unerring quality as he enjoyed a pair of three-goal showings at Anfield in the space of 11 days.

The fleet-footed Spaniard summoned another hat-trick highlight in September 2009 during a 6-1 demolition of Hull City in Rafael Benitez’s final season in charge.