With 9-mintues to go before full-time he trudged off the Anfield turf, looking forlorn. He couldn’t believe his number – the iconic number-7 – was being held aloft again, calling an early end to his game.
A clap of appreciation towards the Kop was accompanied by a mutter as he headed towards his replacement on the side-line. A handshake and a quick hug was afforded the club captain, but not the man who’s decision it was to withdraw him from the fray with Liverpool2-1 up, but far from convincing.
There was no hiding Luis Suarez’s displeasure as he passed Kenny Dalglish without making eye contact, head still shaking before taking his frustration out on a water bottle, then slouching down in his seat on the bench. He had scored the winner, but there was also disappointment.
Unlike other media outlets, I am not suggesting for one second that Suarez is unhappy with life at Anfield, or that this act of histrionics imply something similar – I’ll leave that to the trouble-causing tabloids and the likes of Talk Sport. This is about whether it is correct for the manager to take what seems to be an over-protective approach of a player who has been Liverpool’s best performer and most dangerous player since joining the club in January.
Of the eight league and cup games Liverpool have played so far this season, Suarez has started all bar one (away to Arsenal). However, he has completed 90-minutes just once. Indeed, his 81st minute showing versus Wolves on Saturday represented his longest period on the pitch this season, normally being ‘given a rest’ from around the 60th-75th minute. It’s no wonder his frustration is beginning to show.
If his performance levels were well below par, then this would be a mute point, and the player could have little to complain about. But his form this season has drawn rave reviews and is of a consistently high-level – especially when compared to certain other players on the pitch, who are nowhere near the Uruguayan’s level, performance or effort-wise.
Far from appearing to be a prima donna, what adds to this is his burning desire to play the game and improve the clubs level. Uruguayan’s are renowned for their courage, and never-say-die attitude – an unquenchable will to win. Marrying this ferocious work-ethic to his sublime technical ability equates to being the oppositions worst nightmare – they are relieved to see the back of him, whilst he wants to play every minute.
It is a moot (the correct spelling) point us debating whether its right to take Suarez off or not as none of us work with him on a daily basis; none of us have a team of sports scientists monitoring is conditioning; and none of us are managing the team and considering how many minutes other players need to get match fit versus someone who is match fit.
I know we have a week between games at the moment but over analysing an issue that isn’t an issue is a waste of time.
If he wasn’t frustrated at being substituted I would be more concerned.