Phil Thompson: Liverpool Can Find a Replacement for Barcelona Bound Luis Suarez

Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson believes that the Reds are capable of finding a suitable replacement for the imminent departure of their star striker Luis Suarez.

The 27-year-old is reportedly on the verge of a massive £75m move to Barcelona following his third biting incident. He is currently serving a four-month ban from all football activity.

The Uruguayan international was the best performer for Brendan Rodgers' side last season scoring 31 goals and contributing 12 assists in the Premier League, and helping the Merseyside club finish second in the table.

Thompson, who won 15 trophies during his 13 years at Anfield, is wary that Suarez's departure will leave a huge void for the former Swansea City boss to fill. But he remains hopeful that Liverpool will have another star performer in the upcoming campaign.

"From speaking to supporters, I think it's the younger element of our fanbase who are particularly upset about the prospect of Luis Suarez going to Barcelona. 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 told 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."

The 60-year-old Kop favourite claims that the Merseyside club will find a suitable replacement just like they did during his playing days.

"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," Thompson explained.

"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 [Dalglish] 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. After Kenny, Ian Rush came along, after Rushie there was Robbie Fowler, then Michael Owen, then Fernando Torres and then Luis Suarez."

"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," the former England international concluded.