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Luis Suarez has highlighted the important role that Steven Gerrard played in his decision to remain at Anfield. The Uruguyan looked hell-bent in the summer to quit Liverpool in search of Champions League football, but it was the Captain, who took it upon himself to convince his team-mate that it’s best for his future that he remains at Merseyside.
“He didn’t talk about me, or through me, in the press, but in person. In those moments I forgot that he was ‘world football great Gerrard’, a Liverpool legend, but as a humble person who spoke to me with all his heart for hours.
He said I was the best forward he’d ever played with, which given the amazing strikers that he’s played with at Liverpool, was amazing for me to hear. I’ll never forget that.”
Suarez has re-invented himself this season, as he has reduced if not completely eradicated his on-field antics, and it shows as he has scored an incredible 23 goals in just 22 league games for his club. His partnership with Daniel Sturridge has also been hailed by all, as the England forward has racked up an amazing tally of 18 goals this season.
The Reds are currently the top-scorer in the Premier League, averaging 2.59 goals per match while racking up 70 goals in 27 games. The Liverpool defence though is not quite up to the mark, as they have leaked in the second most goals of the top 11.
Liverpool though have maintained their fourth place in the league courtesy of some high profile wins over the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and the 4-0 derby victory over Everton.
Suarez’s goal-scoring has taken a hit with the return of Sturridge, as it forces Suarez to play down the left, which is highlighted by the fact that he has a solitary goal to his name in the last eight games. This though has not reduced the immense contribution of the creative forward, who has assisted six goals during the same period, while taking up his league tally of assists to nine. The Liverpool captain has also enjoyed a good season in his new deeper role, contributing with seven goals and nine assists this season.
Gerrard’s move to influence Suarez’s decision over the 26-year-old’s future has proved vital for the Merseyside club as they are currently only four points off the top spot, with an outside chance of competing for the league title. With the fixtures that Liverpool have ahead of them, they surely will have a major say in the title race and the battle for the coveted top-four spots.
