Luis Suarez: Liverpool are a great team and big players will want to play for them

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez believes his former club Liverpool will still be able to attract top players and has played down the suggestion made by Brendan Rodgers.

The former Swansea boss admitted that his side will struggle to lure star players. During his time at the Merseyside club, Rodgers has seen star players including the likes of Suarez, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Pepe Reina and Steven Gerrard leave Anfield.

The Uruguayan international joined the Catalan club last July after having an impressive season with the Reds. Earlier this month, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard announced his decision to leave Anfield after the end of the season.

Suarez believes Gerrard is irreplaceable at Anfield and Rodgers should start identifying replacements for the Liverpool skipper.

"Liverpool are a great team though, big players will want to play for them. They have great midfield players already there who can make a step up - and I am sure the boss is already thinking about replacements," Suarez has been quoted as saying by the Liverpool Echo.

"Steven will always be somebody I respect as a player and a person. He has had a big impact on my career."

"There are a small number of players in the world that are irreplaceable, and Steven is one of them. Not just irreplaceable as a player, but also as a captain, and what he represents for Liverpool," he added.

The Merseyside club have struggled in all competitions this season after they failed to replicate the form of previous campaign. They are eighth in the table with 32 points from 21 games.

Despite the poor form, Suarez has backed Rodgers to achieve success at Liverpool and claims the Northern Irishman is the right man for the Anfield job.

"It has not been the perfect start for the season for Liverpool, especially with expectation growing after last season. I am sure they will be fine though, and I am even more sure that they are under the right guidance," the Barcelona striker said.

"Brendan is a good man and a great coach. All the players like him, they respect him, and they want to play for him. I am sure they are going to be successful under him."

"It is important that the club are in the Champions League. With the tradition they have in the competition that is what the fans demand. This season is not over for them. They have two routes into the Champions League next season, and I am sure they can reach it," Suarez concluded.