Luis Suarez - Class Player, Classless Character

Luis Suarez signed for the Reds for a fee worth up to £22.8 million in the January transfer window back in 2010. He was given the number seven jersey that had been worn by Liverpool legends such as his manager Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan. He certainly had boots to fill but we all knew he was a smashing striker from the start, owing to his impressive goal scoring record at Ajax, scoring 111 goals in just 159 matches along with 37 assists. That’s why Liverpool signed him in the first place. But then again, the same questions always arise in these sorts of situations, different country, and different league, will he manage? And manage he did when on his debut; he came on as a substitute scoring in front of the Kop. The fans loved him. He was their new Fernando Torres. From then on, he helped struggling Liverpool climb from twelfth in mid-January in the league to finish sixth.

And then it happened. In early December, the FA banned Suarez for eight matches in relation to racial abuse against Patrice Evra. Ban served and you would’ve thought Suarez would come out stronger and fate did decide to hand Suarez a chance of proving himself in the shape of a league match against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Yes, the same team that caused his frustration in the first place. During the traditional pre-game handshakes, Suarez snubbed Evra’s hand and the world of football had just witnessed pathetic sportsmanship of a sort rarely ever witnessed.

However, prior to these incidents, Suarez has been no stranger to controversy. His career may boast a cabinet of trophies and accolades but there has also been diving, biting an opponent, yes biting and a goal-saving handball in the World Cup two years ago. No surprise he’s brought his backpack of drama to England with him. At this point I must also mention that his acting is rubbish. I am strongly against the whole art of diving that Barcelona tend to use, and Suarez would probably fit in better there than here in England. That’s not how we play here lad. It’s just awkward, like a clown showing up in a court of jury. Great footballers possess great footballing skills along with a certain degree of sportsmanship and character. Players like Suarez may add a touch of spark to any team they play for but that is not worth the trouble if our game is being damaged. Liverpool needs his goals and no doubt he is delivering. He’s been Liverpool’s most effective player when on the pitch, his contribution is tremendous and he gives the team that extra boost of confidence but his added burden of creating controversies could prove too costly for Liverpool. Suarez has come out and apologised for his refusal to shake Evra’s hand but apparently was forced by sponsors. However so, an initiation has been taken to clean up the mess. Suarez has always had the backing of the Liverpool fans, obviously, because that’s how passionate the Scousers are but even they will be hoping that their number 7 gets things sorted out sooner rather than later, for once they turn their backs on him, he will always walk alone.