The Redemption of Luis Suarez

It was 22^nd April 2013 when Luis Suarez, in a fit of frustration, bit Branislav Ivanovic on the arm. The uproar after that game was that of sensationalism and exaggeration. Suarez was vilified by the media, fans and it appeared the football world in general. The FA acted rather harshly and gave him a 10 game ban. It appeared Suarez’s career at Liverpool and in English football was over. Flash forward 11 months and Luis Suarez sits top of the Premier League goal scoring charts, appears set to become the highest scorer in Premier League history and is a major reason why Liverpool have become title contenders. How a year can change one’s fortunes. As The Whitehouse Address will discuss, credit must go to the player’s mindset as well as the management at Liverpool.

There is little doubt that during the time Luis Suarez arrived in English football he has divided opinion. After an explosive start to his time at Liverpool the following season became one of difficulty for him and the club. The Patrice Evra situation brought a dark cloud over Liverpool, a situation which was not handled very well at all by certain individuals. It led Suarez to become seen as the ‘villain’ of the league and it appeared that he would be departing after the treatment he received.

Brendan Rodgers convinced him to stay and be part of his revolution at the club yet it was not easy. While although clearly a talented player Suarez was making news for the wrong reasons, most notably his diving antics. Some were comical and it did not help his reputation. And of course it meant any genuine appeals were often waved away. It was a time of frustration for the Uruguayan. And yet he still scored 23 league goals and would have perhaps gone on to score more had he not been banned for the end of the season. 

A need for resolve and steadfastness

Was that ban justified? Not in the eyes of this blog. In fact this blog believes that Suarez has been unjustly treated by the media and FA since he arrived in the league. Harsh sanctions and a wish to focus on the negatives rather than marvel at the positives pointed towards a lack of appreciation for one of the most talented players to grace the Premier League. 

It seemed as though we would lose out on his talents last summer, with Suarez well within his rights to demand a move to one of Europe’s top sides. This blog has believed that Suarez was playing below his deserved level at Liverpool. A player of his talent should be in the latter stage of the Champions League, not at a side playing to qualify for the Europa League. Anyone of Real Madrid, Juve, Barca, PSG or even Bayern would have benefited from his world class ability. 

Arsenal blew their chance to land him with their arrogance and Chelsea should have considered if chasing Rooney was worth it when Suarez was clearly available. However it seemed that Arsenal’s disrespectful bid hardened the resolve of John Henry who would not be made a fool of. This season has proved that their loyalty and doggedness has proved a catalyst for their season.

Brendan Rodgers knew what Suarez could offer and was steadfast in his wish to keep him at the club. History proves that losing your best players  does not lead to times of prosperity but times of woe and therefore losing Suarez would have been a blow to the team and to the club psychologically. By keeping him (when others may have decided he was ‘too much’ trouble) Liverpool have prospered. It is clear that Suarez makes the other players better, that is the sign of world class talent.

The power of oneness instead of the power of one man

The burgeoning talent of Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling points at great coaching and a positive, enjoyable environment. They surely must love to have a player like Suarez in the side yet importantly Liverpool are playing like a complete team, playing as 'one'. 

Steven Gerrard is thriving in his deeper role because he now has players ahead of him he can truly trust to get the job done. The past decade he has always played like a player who felt he had to be the one to make things happen, and while he often did, it came at a cost to the teams shape and balance. Now Liverpool look balanced and controlled and Gerrard is now helping, not hindering this.

And Suarez has a partner who he works perfectly with. Daniel Sturridge is excelling by playing with Suarez, with both sharing the responsibility and goals. It is credit to Rodgers to have found a system and style of play which compliments both these players, and their return of 48 goals this season in the league, with both sitting at 1^st and 2^nd in the goal scoring chart proof of how in sync they are together. One forward formations have been en vogue for a decade yet it is clear that the strike partnership has returned, and when you see Suarez and Sturridge in action you can see why.

A year on from the biting incident Suarez has redeemed himself in the eyes of many. His talent has won over many of the doubters who saw the bad side of him. This blog never wavered in its support of the player, seeing such sublime talent in the player that his moments of frustration were not seen as an indictment on his character but more of a man who was determined to succeed and win. 

Controlling emotion on the pitch is never easy, especially when you feel you have the weight of responsibility on your shoulders. Suarez was evidence of this. Almost single handily keeping Liverpool going. Yet with the additions Rodgers has added Suarez knows that he now has a supporting cast who can offer and provide him with quality support and contribution.  

This has meant Suarez plays with more enjoyment and freedom. While before he was frustrated he is now focused on winning. And winning they are. Liverpool are top of the form guide, winning their last seven games and propelling their selves into the title race. It is not inconceivable that they can win it. They have what it takes to win the title, goals. 

Perhaps this is their best chance to win the league, as they are without any distractions or fatigue. Yet if they don’t achieve it they know that Champions League football is secured next season and that means keeping hold of their talented players and building further to deal with the extra pressure of European football.

Loyalty, patience points to great management

The redemption of Luis Suarez almost a year on when he and Liverpool appeared to be in turmoil is credit to the player and his mindset. He could have refused to play and forced the move yet he respected the clubs decision to keep him and did what he does best; played football. I’m sure he does not regret his decision to stay, he has brought around those who vilified him and now Suarez is seen only as a footballer, nothing more. 

The redeemed man is always seen more favourably, as everyone enjoys the villain turned good story. Yet it wasn’t Suarez but the perception of fans and media which needed changing. Judgements were laid at him too quickly. It is pleasing to see him changing the minds of the nation now.

Perhaps the work of Dr Steve Peters has helped channel and control his emotion, perhaps he has learnt the hard way about his actions (if so the FA will therefore feel vindicated for their sanctions). Yet ultimately he has persevered through adversity and continued to perform at high level. He is no villain but a passionate and emotional player, changing that will not help. 

And lastly we cannot ignore the influence of Liverpool’s management team. John Henry was seen as a dubious owner when he first arrived, with US owners generally seen as naïve to the world of ‘soccer’. And although they have had some bumps along the way they have proven to be very impressive owners. 

Their loyalty to Brendan Rodgers when it wasn’t going easy for him is admirable, as other owners can be too rash and quick to make the chop and give in to fans opinion. They have trusted in their appointment and are being rewarded with it now. 

They will say it is a year earlier than expected yet they knew they needed top four to retain a player like Suarez. And this is where Rodgers gets the credit. Liverpool have been wallowing in self-pity for several years as a club. Hicks and Gillett put the club in a form of crisis and despair. Rodgers has helped build a winning team which has also galvanised the fans. Belief has returned to Anfield through the managers positive approach. He like Suarez has been redeemed in the eyes of many, including this blog. There were doubts over his suitability for the role, yet he has proved he was deserving of it. 

The past 12 months highlight the importance of loyalty and patience, credit therefore to John Henry for showing these key attributes in a world where impulsiveness has become the norm.

The Whitehouse Address @The_W_Address

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