Steven Gerrard saw some world-class talent come and go at Liverpool, with one team-mate standing out from the rest
23:00, 25 Dec 2025
Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres
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Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres were close to becoming Liverpool team-mates(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The argument over Liverpool's finest striker from the past two decades rages on, with Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez both staking their claim.
One player perfectly positioned to settle this debate is Steven Gerrard, and the former Liverpool skipper believes the answer is crystal clear - Suarez. During their partnership from 2011-14, the Uruguayan sensation bagged 82 goals in 133 appearances for the Reds.
Gerrard highlighted Suarez's intimidating presence among defenders, telling Barcelona's website: "I don't think anyone looks forward to playing against Luis Suarez." The legendary midfielder, who turned out 710 times for the Reds between 1998 and 2015, declared: "[Suarez] is a fantastic talent and a great player."
Fernando Torres of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mate Steven Gerrard (R) during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on April 8, 2009 in Liverpool, England.
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Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard formed a devastating partnership(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Gerrard went further, boldly stating that "he is probably the best player I've ever played with." The 38-year-old arrived on Merseyside in 2011, joining from Dutch giants Ajax for £20million (€23.5m). After claiming the League Cup in his second campaign, he swiftly established himself and secured sixth place in the 2011 Ballon d'Or rankings.
Gerrard heaped praise on his "fantastic team-mate," who forged a devastating attacking alliance with fellow striker Daniel Sturridge during the 2013-14 Premier League campaign. The pair netted over 50 goals and nearly drove Liverpool to the title, which would have been their first in 24 years, before Gerrard's infamous slip handed the league to Manchester City.
That year Suarez delivered arguably the greatest individual season in Premier League history. Despite being suspended for the first five games, he delivered an astonishing 31 goals and 13 assists, winning the PFA Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year and sharing the European Golden Shoe with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard celebrate with the trophy at the end of the Carling Cup final match between Liverpool and Cardiff City at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2012
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The Uruguayan only won the League Cup with Liverpool
Even though they went their separate ways back in the summer of 2014, Suarez and Gerrard have maintained a strong friendship. "He's a good guy; a family man away from the pitch," Gerrard revealed to Barcelona's official website.
"We keep in touch and have supported each other throughout our careers." Suarez's journey hasn't been without its share of scandals. The striker has found himself embroiled in three notorious biting episodes.
Back in 2010, Suarez sank his teeth into PSV midfielder Otman Bakkal's shoulder. Just three years on, Suarez once more bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Suarez sparked fresh outrage after biting Italian centre-back Giorgio Chiellini, earning himself a four-month ban for the incident.
Steven Gerrard celebrating with Luis Suarez
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Gerrard said Luis Suarez is the best player he's ever played with(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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It was during this turbulent time that Suarez departed Gerrard's Liverpool, securing a blockbuster transfer to Barcelona for approximately £71m (€82m). In his 2016 memoir, My Story, the midfielder heaped acclaim on his former colleague, penning that "he blew me away with his talent."
Liverpool found it tough to fill the void left by their No. 7, and Gerrard departed Anfield at the conclusion of the 2014-15 campaign. At Barcelona, Suarez forged a devastating attacking partnership with Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, guiding Luis Enrique's squad to treble glory.
Suarez has lately been plying his trade in Major League Soccer with David Beckham's Inter Miami, reuniting with Barcelona icon Lionel Messi. The Herons recently claimed the MLS Cup, defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the showpiece final staged in Florida.