Steven Gerrard has confirmed what many soccer fans have been saying for some time now - that right now, Luis Suarez is the best player in the world.
“On current form he’s the best player in the world,” Gerrard told Sky Sports television.
“Lionel Messi’s out injured and Cristiano Ronaldo’s had a bit of an injury of late,” the Liverpool captain said. “He (Suarez) is certainly the best striker out there. He’s proving that with his minutes-to-goals ratio.”
No disagreeing with Gerrard on this one. Luis Suarez is an absolute phenomenon.
Liverpool are a quality side with a savvy manager but without Luis Suarez there’s zero chance the Reds would be in first place. Top 4, yes. But top of the table? No way.
The fact that blows me away is Suarez’ goals per game average and how that could transpire over the course of the season. In 12 appearances he’s notched 19 goals, a rate of 1.583 goals per game.
If calculated over the remaining 21 games of the 2013-14 season that means the Uruguayan is projected to score 52 goals this year. Fifty-freaking-two! That’s bananas.
The scoring record in the Premier League can be looked at in two ways: Under the 42 game season that the Premier League utilized during its first three seasons (1992-93, 1993-94 and 1994-95) the record is 34 goals scored, shared by Andy Cole (1993-94) and Alan Shearer (1994-94). In the modern day 38 game season the record is 31 goals, held by Shearer (1995-96) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-08).
Either way, Suarez is on pace to absolutely slaughter those records. In fact, at his current pace he could set the modern day record by the February 8th home clash against Arsenal.
Imagine that? Crowning a new scoring record holder with 13 matches left in the season - and doing it against the club that tried to buy him last summer?
Whether Suarez sets the record in February, March or April makes little difference. Assuming things like form, injuries and suspensions continue to go in Suarez’ favor, that record is going to fall in a big way.
Gerrard is a truthspeaker.
Luis Suarez, best player in the world.