Liverpool and Luis Suarez: 6 moments that have defined their relationship

1. Formation of the “SAS”

Luis Suarez and Danie Sturridge – Liverpool’s SAS

Liverpool signed Daniel Sturridge in the January window of 2013 to add to their striking ammunition. Suarez had effectively been the lone striker at the club till then with Andy Carroll being loaned out to West Ham and Fabio Borini failing to make an impact. Brendan Rodgers showed admirable courage in putting both Suarez and Sturridge on the same field to reignite the fashion of a striking partnerships that has been one of the defining elements of the 2013-14 season so far.

They were able to establish a telepathic understanding from the very beginning: a Sturridge dummy set up Suarez on goal against Norwich in early 2013. They have been lethal ever since combining to create goals for each other and making life miserable for defenders in the Premier League. They share almost 35 goals between them this season only and have regularly assisted each other.

The most recent Merseyside derby was an exhibition of how they have tactically benefited from each other’s presence. Sturridge and Suarez alternated as the striker at the head of the pitch with the other always shifting to the wing to find space which makes marking extremely difficult for the defending team. However, the slight spat at the end of that game also opened up the possibility of a chink in the dream partnership. However, nobody really notices when two defenders shout at each other for a lapse. In any case, the future will deliver its judgment on that aspect.

Liverpool and Suarez are driving towards a common aim: Champions league football. The success or failure of that quest will have a major consequence for the future of this relationship but in the light of that new long-term contract, one can be sure that if they part ways it will be in a mutually beneficial manner.