Luis Suárez

[Hemingway]

We do change it during matches, some - Suarez went back up front against Arsenal in the 2nd, for quite a spell. And both switched a lot against Everton.

Makes sense to make the decision by opponent I think, but I suspect if we persist with this style most games Suarez is probably going to be the one shifted out wide. They're comparable as out and out strikers, but given Suarez's technical ability and playing style, he's much more able to influence the game from a wide position than Danny is. We get more out of both that way than the reverse, even if it negatively impacts Luis's scoring, so he takes one for the team. But BR's been nothing if not tactically flexible, so I wouldn't be surprised to see more tweaks coming up over the next few games that get Suarez in more scoring positions.

[baronvonskidmark]

I can't help thinking that it would be good to play Danny up top when teams defend high due to his pace and Luis when they sit deep because of his technical ability - Sturridge could play on the right cutting in on his left foot.

[The Birdman]

It's encouraging for us that we are playing well and (mostly) winning without Suarez scoring as many as previously.
He's hit the post against Arsenal and Fulham so hardly struggling but if he can get on another run of goal scoring over the final fixtures we'll get top 4 easily.

[Liverpool]

Is he suffering from a change of position to accomodate Sturridge?

that and his purple patch form recently will probably go down as the best football he'll ever play in career, no way anyone can maintain that level

[Sarb]

I think we definitely need to get him back more central though

[john316]

We weren't quite as fluid switching between Suarez and Sturridge for me in the Arsenal game. Much better in the Arsenal and Everton games but that might be the home vs away set ups.

[Sarb]

We weren't quite as fluid switching between Suarez and Sturridge for me in the Arsenal game. Much better in the Arsenal and Everton games but that might be the home vs away set ups.

Certainly against Arsenal Suarez played wide a bit but him, Sturridge and Sterling interchanged a fair bit. I think they didnt do that so much on sunday until the 2nd half when we caused them real problems. In the first half Suarez was too wide on right so was not influencing things as much

Think he is getting a bit frustrated due to goals drying up a bit. He is our best player so need him involved in the important areas

[john316]

Definitely need to get him on track before the Manc game so he can end their league season. He's playing really well but it just seems every shot is either hitting a post or straight at the keeper.

[baitman]

I think we definitely need to get him back more central though

with coutinho playing as a deeper CM suarez can play as a forward 10/false 9, with sturridge and sterling swooping in from the wings. you know suarez loves to take the ball running at defenders creating havoc and space for others.

[Boogs]

Exclusive: I can achieve all my dreams with Liverpool FC, says Suarez

By James Pearce

21 Feb 2014 06:00
Suarez wants to reward those supporters who stood by him after events of last summer

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Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the fourth goal during the Barclays Premier Leauge match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on December 15, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Luis Suarez says he owes a debt of gratitude to Liverpool FC for helping him produce the best form of his career as he insisted: “I know I can achieve my dreams here.”

In an exclusive interview with the ECHO, the Uruguayan striker spoke candidly about life with the Reds and his hopes for the future.

Suarez has lit up the Premier League with his scintillating performances so far this season.

He has plundered 23 goals in just 21 league games and is on course to claim the Golden Boot and be crowned Player of the Year.

However, the 27-year-old insists his burning ambition is to help Brendan Rodgers’ side bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

In pictures: Suarez at LFC so far

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Luis Suarez's Liverpool FC story so far in pictures
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Suarez wants to reward those supporters who stood by him after the events of last summer when he came close to leaving the club.

“The fans have helped me so much,” Suarez told the ECHO.

“Everyone knows that I had some difficult times last summer.

“But they have always supported me and always had confidence in me. I really feel that support in my heart.

“I think this has been the best season of my career so far. It’s my job to score goals and create goals, and help the team.

“When you have really good team-mates and a manager who believes in you then it helps so much with your job.

“For me, stepping on to the pitch knowing I have the confidence of the supporters means everything to me as a player. They help me to give my best.”

Suarez felt that support more than ever on his Anfield comeback last October.

The visit of Crystal Palace was the frontman’s first competitive appearance on home turf since serving his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic six months earlier.

He emerged from the tunnel before kick-off with his newborn son Benjamin and his three-year-old daughter Delfina.

“That was a special day for me,” he said.

“I know in England it’s not normal to take your children on to the pitch like that but it’s normal in Uruguay.

“I wanted to show the Liverpool fans my family and I wanted everyone to know I was so happy with life both on and off the pitch.

“It was my first game back at Anfield and I wanted my children to share that moment.

“It was an emotional moment for me. To come back and play at Anfield after so long was brilliant.”

Since then Suarez hasn’t looked back. He has been the driving force behind Liverpool’s sustained push for a top four finish.

The only headlines he has generated have been for his breathtaking ability.

Everton v Liverpool - Premier League
He has picked up just four yellow cards all season having heeded the advice of wife Sofia, who had warned she would stop attending matches if his on-field behaviour didn’t improve.

“My wife is so happy now too,” Suarez said.

“I try to keep my cool on the pitch with referees and defenders. I try not to get involved in arguments.

“It is better to just concentrate on helping the team – that is the most important thing. You need to keep a clear mind.

“When I was a kid I listened to the big players. Now I’m a big player in a big team other players come to speak to me. It’s a positive for me. I need to be an example.”

Rather than angrily confront officials, Suarez has learned to let things go. He was the victim of an injustice at the Emirates last Sunday when he was clattered to the ground by Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain inside the box.

To Rodgers’ disgust, referee Howard Webb failed to award a penalty and the Reds bowed out of the FA Cup after a 2-1 defeat.

“I think everyone could see that it was 100% a penalty but sometimes it’s difficult for the referees,” Suarez said.

“I understand that. Referees are normal people and they can miss things sometimes.

“It’s the same with players. As a striker sometimes you make a mistake and miss a chance.

“On the pitch you can see one image, on the TV you see another image. Referees don’t get to see the replays. That decision didn’t go our way but we have moved on.”

In pictures: All of Suarez's goals so far this season

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Luis Suarez goals in the Premier League 2013/14
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Cup glory may have eluded Liverpool but Suarez insists that setback will have no impact on their league campaign.

With 12 games remaining the stage is set for a thrilling finale.

The fourth placed Reds are just four points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Swansea City.

Suarez won’t make any bold predictions about the title and admits Liverpool’s main target is nailing down a Champions League spot.

“It was disappointing to lose to Arsenal as we wanted to do well in the FA Cup,” he said.

“It was a competition we had a big chance in and we played well.

“But we know that in football not everything goes your way. We have forgotten about that quickly. Our focus is on the next game against Swansea. We have 12 games left and let’s see what we can achieve.

“Can we win the title? I’m not sure. I think this season the Premier League is so difficult. Every team can lose games. Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal have been dropping points.

“We are very strong at home and we must keep going like this. As the manager said we are a chihuahua! We must just focus on every game. In football you never know what can happen.

“To be in the Champions League is what we all want. This is our objective – to play in it next season.

“We know we have a small squad. When our best 11 players start we have shown we can do well against any team. But if we have one or two injuries it can become difficult for the manager.

Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier Leauge match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at White Hart Lane on December 15, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
“We have a very good team playing at a good level and we believe we can get in the Champions League.”

Suarez admits watching this week’s last 16 ties between Manchester City and Barcelona, and Arsenal and Bayern Munich, whetted his appetite for the prize at stake over the coming months.

Having listened to skipper Steven Gerrard’s stories about famous European nights at Anfield, Suarez is keen to experience them for himself.

“I watched the games on TV this week and when you hear that Champions League music that’s motivation in itself,” he said.

“I want to be there with Liverpool. It’s an unbelievable competition. It’s where we want to be – playing against the top teams in Europe.

“Stevie has told me about Champions League nights at Anfield. He said when you have played Champions League football at Anfield you will never forget it. I want to try it for myself.

“When I arrived here I said it was my dream to play for Liverpool and play Champions League here. I know I can achieve my dreams here.”

Suarez: Why I'll play through pain barrier for Reds
Luis Suarez admits he has played through the pain barrier for Liverpool because he hates the idea of having to watch from the sidelines.

Remarkably, the striker (above) hasn’t missed a single match due to injury during his three years at Anfield.

“I just love to play football,” he told the ECHO.

“I always talk to the manager and tell him how much I want to play.

“Even in the Cups against small teams I like to play.

“There have been times when I have had knocks but I’ve been able to get on with it. My body and my head are very strong.”

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[EwarWoo]

Fantastic article

[Fosterbloke]

And if we make the CL then perhaps we can look forward to seeing Suarez into his 30s!

[meffin]

I'm so nervous about this season- its so important for us to make the champions league, and its our best chance for a long time.

[Fosterbloke]

Would make a good avatar for someone!

In case anyone had forgotten how outrageously skillful he is

[Pablo]

In a way what I'm about to say is ludicrous but I think he badly needs a goal. Not scoring in these last few games is driving him crazy, it's obvious. He's been so unlucky recently. I'm praying he scores a couple this weekend before he spontaneously combusts out of pure frustration