Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson is confident the Reds can cope with Luis Suarez next season.
The Uruguayan international has strongly been linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window. If the reports from Spain are to be believed, the superstar striker is likely to complete his switch to Nou Camp very soon.
Suarez was the Premier League’s top scorer with 31 goals from 33 appearances and scored 43% of Liverpool’s goals last season. Despite his prolific goal scoring form, the Reds legend Thompson says Brendan Rodgers’ side will bounce back in the similar manner when Kevin Keegan left Anfield in 1977.
“They are more ready and willing to forgive and forget everything he’s done. I do sympathise with that as Suarez is the star player,” Thompson said, as reported in the Liverpool ECHO.
“Of course if he went there would be a big gap to fill. He either scored or was involved in 43% of our goals last season.”
“As a fan you wonder where the next star is going to come from? But what I would say is that this football club has a habit of producing them.”
“Liverpool Football Club is bigger than any individual. Players will always move on but this club will still be here in another 100 years time.”
“Back in my day I remember when Roger Hunt and Ian St John were coming to the end of their playing days.”
“There was a slight lull and then Kevin Keegan came along in 1971. He enjoyed worldwide acclaim and was a big success.”
“He gave the club 12 months notice that he would be going but people were angry about losing Kevin.”
“They were saying ‘why would he want to leave? And how would the club cope?’ Low and behold, the club came up with Kenny as his replacement.”
“Kenny made a massive impact and took us to an even higher level. Over the years, Liverpool have been fortunate enough to have a succession of top-class strikers,” the Anfield legend concluded.
For over a decade, Liverpool have seen their star strikers leave the club and have been replaced by their successors. No player is bigger than the club and Thompson is right to say the Reds will be able to cope even without Suarez in their team next season.
Do you agree with Liverpool legend Phil Thompson’s views on Luis Suarez?
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