Very few could have predicted Liverpool’s rise to the top of the table. After the ninth round of Premier League matches, Liverpool are tied with Chelsea with 20 points, good for second place. There is so much to praise Liverpool for – their smart purchases, Brendan Rodgers’ attacking formation, the resurgence of Daniel Sturridge, the list goes on. But one thing has stood out above all recently: Liverpool is home to one of the world’s deadliest strikers, Luis Suarez.
The infamous Luis Suarez has been involved in more than enough controversies. The handball against Ghana to help Uruguay advance in the World Cup, the alleged racial abuse of Patrice Evra and most recently the biting of Branislav Ivanovic. The 10-match ban that followed the biting incident was one which many thought would be the catalyst for Suarez’s departure. But Rodgers and the Liverpool board refused to listen to the transfer requests for their controversial forward, and the decision has paid off. Suarez has proved yet again that he is as prolific as anyone around.
Liverpool started the season strong while Suarez was unavailable, beating Stoke, Aston Villa and Manchester United to remain undefeated. With Sturridge in the form of his life and with Philippe Coutinho providing chances consitently, many wondered if there was even a place for Suarez when his ban had been served.
Two games later, the tone had changed. A draw against Swansea and a loss to Southampton rattled the Liverpool supporters’ cages. Suddenly Sturridge was not the hottest star in the Premier League. An injury to Coutinho left Sturridge isolated up front, and with Suarez set to play in Liverpool’s next match versus Sunderland, football fans across the world waited to see how Suarez would return.
Suarez did not disappoint. He scored two goals – including the game winner – to help get Liverpool back into the win column. But it was not just the goals that excited the fans – Suarez came close to scoring with two more chances that went narrowly over the bar, but it was his link-up play with Sturridge that had fans on the edge of their seats.
With Suarez’s hat trick against West Bromwich Albion this weekend, Suarez now has six goals and one assist in four games. Many of his goals have been highlight reel material as well. His header from the edge of the box against Albion was impressive to say the least, and his first goal saw him outwit three defenders, nut-megging Jonas Olsson along the way, before slotting in past the keeper. Suarez also scored an impressive second effort against Crystal Palace in the recent Anfield win and has returned with a point to prove..
Since Suarez returned to the lineup, Liverpool have three wins and one draw. His controversies have been all but forgotten by supporters who are happy to see their club once again competing at the top of the table. That is the most frustrating part of Suarez – the raw skill he possesses makes him one of the best forwards in the world. If his attitude were right, he could be propelled into the upper echelon of world footballers, which is exactly where he belongs to be considered.
If there is one positive aspect to Suarez’s attitude, it is that his desire to win is seemingly limitless. He swatted away the would-be Ghana winner so that his side could win the game – which they of course did. Suarez will do whatever it takes to win. Rodgers and the Liverpool executives should be commended for sticking to their guns, as controversial as that stance may be. Suarez has rejuvenated his side with an added dimension of attacking and distribution and has heightened the threat level of this Liverpool side to a new level. Had Suarez been sold to Arsenal, the table might have looked a lot different by week nine.
Liverpool supporters will hope that Suarez’s run of form continues. It stands to figure that once Coutinho returns to the lineup the connection between him, Suarez and Sturridge will be lethal. It was on display at the end of last season, but now they have had more time to familiarize themselves with each other’s style of play. Liverpool may need more depth in midfield, but Liverpool have so far proven themselves to be genuine contenders for a Champions League spot.
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