Why Luis Suarez deserved the PFA player of the year instead of Yaya Toure

So, basically in terms of statistics both these players are more or less equal in their contribution to the cause of the team. However, Suarez nudges Toure by a small margin in the overall statistics as his all round game with his impressive goal tally has been an important catalyst in Liverpool’s title charge.

Luis Suarez

When the season is seen as a complete picture, there are several things to be considered apart from statistics. Luis Suarez ended the last season with one of the most controversial incident of the Premier League. He was handed a 10 match ban which continued to the start of this campaign. During the summer he tried to force a move to Arsenal claiming absence from the Champions League and broken promises by the club. Liverpool, however, dug deep and ensured that their prized asset would be with them for the next season.

He was in all sorts of trouble for his maligned public attack of Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool football club. He looked a forlorn figure just trying to get away from the club that had publicly backed him over the course of his controversial 2 years in English football. An inspirational talk by Steven Gerrard and an acceptance of the fact that Liverpool was not going to entertain any transfers meant he would stay at the club for at least another season. On the other side of the North West, Toure was well settled and preparing for a new season under new management.

Since the ban ended, Luis Suarez has been absolutely mesmerizing throughout the season. He never looked de-motivated nor did he sulked over the events that surrounded him over the summer. He has in fact been more focused on achieving success for the club and his team mates. His performances have been nothing short of awe-inspiring at times while helping Liverpool achieve their ambition of securing the Champions league football and challenging an unprecedented Premier League title. He has been supported ably by the team but his all round skills has been more often the game changer in numerous situations.

What has been a notable difference this season has been a change in his attitude and certain calm on the football field. No longer does he look like a figure who would sulk at decisions, have a go at the officials and try to do things which might uphold the spirit of the game. Although there might have been some flashes of these in the past couple of weeks, overall he has managed to stay professionally at his best behavior. A part of the credit certainly deserves to go to Brendan Rodgers and his support staff who have ensured that Luis Suarez can have a trouble free season.

He has endeared himself to the supporters who have idolized him and who were one of the prime reasons he stayed with the club. His dream of featuring in the Champions league is fulfilled now and what remains to be seen is whether he will be able to guide Liverpool to a title glory.

So to answer the question whether the PFA player is justified for Luis Suarez, it would be a resounding ‘Yes’.

Suarez deserves the limelight for his Premier League accomplishments. Other clubs in the league challenging for the title has more star power in their squad, but none of them would have a player of his caliber who has performed continuously at the highest level throughout the season. In matches where he has not been able to score goals, he was still one of the busiest in terms of creating opportunities for his team mates and even helping out the team defensively. The fact remains that Sturridge and Sterling have benefited hugely from Suarez’s all round capabilities.

Whatever happens from now till the last game, regardless of whether Liverpool wins the title or not, Suarez has cemented his status as one of the world’s elite footballers.