Can Liverpool really keep Suarez at Anfield?
Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Luis Suarez has always been a goal-scoring aficionado regardless of what kit he has put on in the dressing room, but it is only during his last two seasons with Liverpool that he his finally being recognized as one of the finest strikers in the game currently. Before we begin in earnest, let us look at the numbers over the course of his career thus far:
Nacional – 34apps/12goals – strike rate 35.2%
Groningen – 37apps/15goals – strike rate 40.5%
Ajax – 159apps/111goals – strike rate 69.8%
Liverpool – 123apps/75goals – strike rate 60.9%
Uruguay – 71apps/39goals – strike rate 54.9%
Totals combined for Club and Country – 424apps/252goals – strike rate 59.4%
Simply put, these statistics border on the obscene – the numbers never lie, they can simply only be debated but the truth of the matter is, Suarez is that good but only he truly stood in his own way. He brought a bad-boy reputation to England with him and it is no coincidence that he has truly begun to shine under current gaffer Brendan Rodgers after his first two seasons in a Liverpool shirt were only decent. Rodgers no nonsense attitude to management has whipped Suarez into shape, yet the nurturing qualities about him has no doubt brought the absolute best from the Uruguayan hit-man. His supporting cast of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Coutinho and captain Steven Gerrard are not half bad either and it must be said that they aid in Suarez’s rise to the top of the footballing world, where the guest list is very small indeed. Apart from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, there is no better striker in world football right now than Suarez – which must beg the question if Liverpool can hope to hang on to their talisman?
What Suarez is enjoying right now is being apart of arguably one of the best attacking trios currently in all of Europe. Even after missing the first six matches of the campaign through suspension, Suarez has 24 goals and 10 assists, both of which is tops in the Barclays Premier League. His primary attacking confidant Daniel Sturridge, is in the form of his still young career and boasts 18 league goals – good enough for second in the league. The emergence of young Raheem Sterling has taken “SAS” to “SSandS” as the attacking trio have been setting the Premier League on fire with what must be described as scintillating performances that, even if you are not a Liverpool supporter, you just cannot help but admire. Add to the mix the creative genius of young Coutinho with captain and quartermaster Steven Gerrard providing top quality support (he has 9 assists in the campaign, just one behind Suarez) and a manager in Rodgers that is fast becoming one of the best tacticians in the country who allows them the freedom of expression that makes this all possibly, surely Suarez would want to stay, no?
Liverpool is currently sitting second in the Barclays Premier League just four points off table-topping Chelsea and level on points with third place Arsenal with a greater goal difference. It is an incredible marked change from Rodgers first season in charge where Pool finished seventh – it must be said that the maturing of Rodgers and his ability to unleash his attacking options has benefited both the club and Suarez – but with success no doubt will come the potentially of losing your star players. Does everyone remember what Dortmund’s stunning successes netted them? Both Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski will be reunited next season, but this time in a Bayern kit. Should Liverpool finish in the top three this season and even potentially press on and do the unthinkable and pip Chelsea for the league title, Pool supporters the world over will be sweating it out over the summer as no doubt Real Madrid and other top clubs will be making inquiries.
Suarez could have very easily left Anfield this previous, when Arsenal offered 40,000,001 pounds for him as they were told that any bid over 40million would see his release clause triggered. If Suarez truly wanted to go, he could have left then, but then problem is that moving to Arsenal is not a step up in his career but merely a step to the side. He is now 27 years old and soon entering the prime years of a striker’s career. In staying with Liverpool, Suarez did net himself a pay increase in his contract but surely that is not his only aim.
Suarez is rather ambitious and it is that fact that Rodgers and Liverpool will have to consider if they aim to keep their prized position on Merseyside. The aim this current season must be to qualify for Champions League at all costs. Next season Rodgers must aim higher – bringing in one or two more key players to Anfield and making a push for the league title itself while qualifying for the knockout stages of Europe’s biggest club competition is paramount. The longer Liverpool do not win a major trophy the more likely it is that Suarez will leave to a top European club – he will want to do so before he hits the age of thirty so truthfully, Liverpool’s next campaign will define whether or not Suarez will stay or go.
No matter what club he plays for, Suarez is sure to score goals in abundance. The question to be answered however is that to years from now, will he be scoring goals and lifting silverware on Merseyside or will he be celebrating down the Champs-Elysees or the Gran Via – only he knows. While Suarez claims that he is happy at Anfield and does not plan to leave, as he prefers to win things for the club that has shown faith in him and where he is happy. But let us remember that this is sport and the aim is to win things. Suarez clearly loves the club and he certainly is wanted there but even the most loyal and fan favorite players want their ambitions matched by success. After all, even Thierry Henry left Arsenal.