If the alleged reports are true that Real Madrid are ready to activate maverick genius Luis Suarez’s £40million buy-out clause, then I would show him out the Anfield gates and let him be on his troublesome toothy way. The Uruguayan deserves Champions League football and no Liverpool fan would disagree that his talents should be showcased on Europe’s finest stage, yet his problems on and off the field confirm that the funds received on the sale could be spent to improve Rodgers young ambitious squad.
Don’t get me wrong, you’d struggle to find one player of Suarez’s ability available for £40million, only Cavani potentially at the top of his game comes to mind, but improving the squad and losing the smog surrounding Suarez will undeniably benefit the global Liverpool FC brand as well as the team.
Some similarities must be considered alongside Fernando Torres, a player who clearly didn’t want to play for the Reds when Roy Hodgson took over in the 2010/2011. Chelsea paying £50million for him in the January transfer window was arguably the best bit of business in the clubs history, (although £35million on Carroll was arguably the worst). El Nino left Liverpool at 26, the same age as Suarez and he has failed to recapture his frightening goal scoring prowess since the mega-money move.
Disregarding the discipline issues, Suarez has had a glorious season, scoring 23 goals in the league and mesmerizing defences the way Torres used to, particularly in comparison to Fernando’s debut season in the Premier League. However the likelihood he emulates that goal scoring tally is small, evident in the 2011-2012 season where Suarez’s chance conversion rate was one of the worst around in the League, 76 shots, 5 goals in February 2012. Will 2012/2013 be his best ever season no matter where he’s playing? Perhaps. But combine that with his well-documented antics (just type Luis Suarez in Google, the suggestions say it all) then the quicker he leaves the better.
The two acquisitions of Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho in January further sway the decision in favour of Suarez leaving. Sturridge has showed in Suarez’s suspended absence that he is 100% a striker and needs to play upfront to fulfil his potential. Rodgers tried to get the three of them working together in the first team, eventually dropping Suarez into the midfield 3 against Manchester City, but that is not a long term solution that would suit him.
Coutinho has the natural ability to be a fabulous player, combining Hazards acceleration and balance with Mata’s vision and composure and at the age of 20 is exciting to say the least. He also proved that without Suarez he could dominate a match, QPR being one, and ultimately there is a real attacking threat that could further their pursuit of a top four finish.
The expected summer arrival of Iago Aspas will provide extra firepower in the front three positions and put an extra £40million in Brendan Rodgers and his negotiators hands and who knows what they could conjure up. The likes of Eriksen, Benteke and Luis Alberto have already been linked for moves to the North West and whatever happens with Suarez, it’ sure to be an intriguing summer at Anfield.
By Andy Morgan
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