Liverpool's Latin Americans

One of Kenny Dalglish’s first signings in January 2011, proved to be the best money Liverpool ever spent on a South American. The controversial Luis Suarez arrived following the departure of former Kop favourite Fernando Torres.

He made an instant impact against Stoke on his debut, coming off the bench to score. The Uruguayan then went from strength to strength, playing a starring role in March 2011 when Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick saw off Manchester United at Anfield. His first full season at Anfield was marred by his apparent racism row with Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. Suarez's punishment meant he had to sit out 8 games, but he still managed to notch up 17 goals that season. The highlight being his fantastic hat-trick against Norwich City in April. 

Brendan Rodgers unfortunately replaced Dalglish as manager for the 2012/13 season and again Suarez improved his goal scoring tally, scoring 30 in all competitions. He lashed in another early season hat-trick in a 5-2 win at Norwich and a skilful finish against Newcastle in November 2012, where with a stunning first touch he managed to outwit both defender and keeper.

He knocked in another hat-trick against Wigan late on in the season but again he was at the centre of another controversy when he bit Branislav Ivanovic’s arm in the 2-2 draw at Anfield against Chelsea. 

With his previous indiscretion fresh in the mind, the Football Association took a dim view and banned him for another 10 games, four in 2012/13 and the first six in 2013/14. It was a shame for both player and club as he had shown a great desire and will to win which sometimes unfortunately led him to behave erratically which ultimately led to punishment.

In the summer of 2013, Suarez agitated for a move away from Anfield. His agent thought he had secured a move to Arsenal when the Gunners triggered what they thought was a release clause in his contract.

The club though held strong and insisted he was going nowhere. Credit to the Uruguayan after the initial disappointment and a few words of encouragement from club captain Steven Gerrard, Luis was ready and raring to go again.

As Liverpool went agonisingly close to ending their title drought in 2013/14, Suarez even though missing those first six games was Liverpool's main man leading the charge. Liverpool Football Club have been blessed with some of the greatest attacking talent the English game has ever seen. There is no doubt that the mercurial Uruguayan will stand in the pantheon of greats even with his foibles. 

That season he helped himself to 31 goals in the league with two hat-tricks against West Brom and Cardiff. He also went one further and grabbed four against Norwich. Finally, the steam ran out for both player and club and with the team capitulating at Selhurst Park, Suarez was inconsolable as he was escorted from the field in tears. If anyone deserved a league title apart from Stevie, it was Suarez for his sheer will and determination to win and also his insistence to drag his teammates along with him. 

Again though controversy was lurking, he became embroiled in another biting episode this time with Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay’s World Cup group game with Italy. FIFA handed down a four month ban in all competitions, including nine international games. Barcelona were waiting in the wings as they knew the pressure was on Liverpool from within the English game. The tabloid press never warmed to him especially as he had trained his guns on them with interviews before their group game with England earlier in the competition. The ending came as FC Barcelona agreed a £75m fee with Liverpool for his services, beating the £50m record transfer amount Chelsea had previously paid for Fernando Torres. However, it didn't feel as compensation for the world class talent we had lost and the sheer joy he brought fans.

Anfield was a lot quieter during the 2014/15 season and there is definitely a case to be made that the shambolic season that unfolded started when our talisman left for the Nou Camp. Even Barcelona supporters who have seen plenty of world class players through the seasons didn’t realise what a unique talent they had bought. Some jested that he might not even make their starting XI. 12 months on they can hardly live without him.