Luis Suarez remains the most gifted player to wear the famous red during PL era

When Fernando Torres departed Liverpool for Chelsea back in January 2011, it felt like the end of the world.

The striker was the club's main guy. But, when one door closes, another opens.

Liverpool ended up signing two forwards as a result of Torres' departure. Luis Suarez was brought in from Ajax for a transfer fee of €26.50 million.

Andy Carroll was signed from Newcastle United for a transfer fee of €41 million. It was clear from early on that the Englishman was not good enough to play for Liverpool.

Between 2011-13, Carroll only scored 11 goals in 58 appearances for the Reds. But, Suarez certainly looked to be a promising prospect.

The Uruguayan was quite raw when he first arrived at Anfield. Suarez was ultimately still learning his craft.

The forward scored 17 goals and registered 10 assists in his first full season (2011-12) at the club. He also helped Liverpool secure the 2012 League Cup.

However, as time progressed, so did Suarez's game. Come the 2013-14 campaign, he went to another level.

In fact, Suarez was the key reason why Liverpool challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title that particular season.

The Uruguayan found the back of the net 31 times and secured 26 assists in 33 Premier League appearances.

But, Liverpool ended up finishing two points behind Manchester City. Despite that being the case, we can't forget how good Suarez was for the Reds across the 2013-14 campaign.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said the following about Suarez at the conclusion of the 2013-14 campaign on Sky Sports: "He got to a level I didn't think he was capable of when I first saw him two years ago. I thought at that time his game lacked maturity and decision making, but this year, everything has come together at once.

"His appreciation for his teammates is so much better. His finishing is absolutely fantastic. What impressed me most is his attitude towards the game is impeccable.

"You talk about modern day football players get a lot of criticism for the fact that they don't fight and don't care. Every time you see him play on the football pitch it looks like his life depends upon it.

"I have to say you match that with the talent he has you have an incredible player."

Unfortunately, when a player as good as Suarez comes along, other big clubs will come sniffing. Barcelona ended up signing the forward for a transfer fee of €81.72 million during the 2014 summer transfer window.

Suarez finished his Liverpool career with 82 goals and 47 assists next to his name. The 35-year-old was only at Anfield for a short period of time, but he certainly made his mark.

It was a shame that Suarez did not hang around at Liverpool for a bit longer. He is by far the most naturally gifted footballer I have seen represent the Reds during the Premier League era. He did things that the others around him could not.

"You’re guaranteed goals, assists, he just causes every opposition problems and creates a lot of space for the players around him,"  Gerrard said back in 2017, as quoted by The Liverpool Offside.

“He’s relentless – that’s the word to sum him up. He scores great goals, all type of goals, he creates out of nothing.

"He occupies the whole back four by himself. He was an absolute dream to play with. He was always on the move so that you could pick him out. Just a phenomenal footballer. He’s gone to another level since he moved to Barcelona with his goal and assist return."

The only negative aspect regarding Suarez during his time at Liverpool was his behaviour. He very much is a flawed genius.

Suarez moved on from Barcelona and joined Atletico Madrid back in September 2020. We wish the former Red all the best for the remainder of his career.