arp3526811BRENDAN RODGERS believes Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 win at Fulham demonstrated once again that they are capable of thriving even when star striker Luis Suarez doesn’t get on the scoresheet.

Rodgers’ side came from behind twice to secure a crucial victory at Craven Cottage on Wednesday which put the fourth-placed Reds within four points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Free-scoring Liverpool have netted 13 goals in their last four domestic fixtures, but 23-goal striker Suarez has hit the back of the net just once in that time.

And Reds boss Rodgers, who was in buoyant mood after captain Steven Gerrard clinched the win at Fulham from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after strikes by Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, believes succeeding without Suarez’s goals highlights the development of his squad.

“Luis is a world-class player and rightly so, but I’m building something here that isn’t reliant on one player,” Rodgers said.

“At various times when Luis has been in the team and Daniel wasn’t then Luis scored goals and other players scored goals. And then vice-versa.

“But you do not score the amount of goals that we do by just relying on one player.

“The great thing about Luis Suarez is if you asked him, ‘Do you want the golden boot or would he rather be in the Champions League?’ He’d be in the Champions League.

“He’s such a selfless player. We’re building an ethic for the team and that is the most important thing rather than any individual.”

Liverpool, who have earned plaudits for their smooth passing style and commitment to attack, were forced to display their grit and determination as they recovered from 1-0 and 2-1 down after Kolo Toure’s own goal and Kieran Richardson’s 63rd minute strike.

 

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