I have followed our youth teams rather closely for many years, and no class has excited me more than the class that included Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom, Jack Robinson, Connor Coady and co.
While Raheem was catching all the headlines (both on and off the field) the player that I most enjoyed watching at Under 18 and Reserve level was Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saez de la Torre, commonly known as Suso.
When he made his debut for the Liverpool first team in a pre-season friendly under Roy Hodgson I was gutted when he was given, due to mistiming of the substitution by Hodgson, only 1 minute to make an impact and he didn’t touch the ball. Hodgson apologised afterwards but never played him in a competitive game.
He was a player of such high technical ability allied to wonderful vision at such a young age, that he seemed the antithesis of the football that Hodgson seemed to encourage at Liverpool, and I worried for his future at our club. Kenny, although aware of his ability, also chose not to utilise his talents.
The boy was getting frustrated and knowing that he was superior technically to many of the players in the first team already, made some comments in interviews politely, and understandably in my eyes, airing his views that he should at least be in the first team picture.
Brendan Rodgers was smarter, quickly recognising his talent and including him in his first team plans. The key moment in Suso’s career was when Jonjo Shelvey was sent off in the huge game against Manchester United. Rodgers shied away from more experienced options on the bench and chose the young Suso, no doubt thinking his passing ability would help us keep the ball with only 10 men.
Suso played well and had a key part to play in Steven Gerrard’s opening goal, although it was ultimately in vain against United’s superior numbers. Young Suso is still living off the confidence that chance gave him and he has gone from strength to strength.
In 2012-13 Suso had 20 appearances with 4 assists, with 14 of those games in the Premier League. Although he didn’t complete 90 minutes or score he had many memorable moments and came close to scoring on a number of occasions. Most importantly he played well, showing he could compete at this level and was learning to deal with the physicality of the Premier League. Rodgers even started him against Tony Pulis’ violent Stoke team.
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With the arrival and massive impact of Philippe Coutinho, Suso’s opportunities became rarer in the second half of the season, but he could be very satisfied with his first season at Liverpool. During the summer Rodgers signed Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto which would have led to less opportunities for the still developing Suso, particularly given the lack of European fixtures and what ended up to be an early exit from the Carling Cup.
Rodgers after initially being reticent, wisely sent him on loan after an excellent offer came in for him to play for newly promoted Almeria in La Liga. This was a big opportunity and Suso has absolutely grasped it.
On his debut against Villareal he assisted the second goal as Almeria went 2-1 up but ultimately lost 3-2 to the Yellow Submarines. In his next game against Getafe he again assisted a goal and against Levante he scored his first goal with a fabulous long range strike with his mercurial left foot.
He has been getting plaudits across the media in Spain for his passing range, vision, technique but also work rate and ability to hold onto the ball (no doubt learnt from his tough early games in the Premier League). Most impressively he is beginning to learn to dictate tempo, something he has done for some time at Spanish youth levels, but is rather more difficult in the Spanish top flight against quality teams, and particularly when he is normally played out wide on the right.
Interestingly, just like Luis Suarez is now famous for his nut-megs, Suso has been quite successful with the ‘Rivelino elastico’ trick, showing just how confident he is becoming.
With 5 assists so far, he has more assists than Messi or Ronaldo, and only Koke, Neymar and Fabregas have more, all of whom play for teams within the Champions League places. Almeria, at the time of writing, are just outside the relegation zone.
In a recent interview with Sandra Galvez, Suso talked about Rafa’s involvement in bringing him to Liverpool, his pride at training alongside Gerrard and Suarez, as well as his decision to join Almeria.
“I had bigger offers than the Almeria one, in particular one from Germany, but I wanted to stay attached to Liverpool, an important team for me. When I learned of Almeria’s interest, I didn’t hesitate. This means being in Andalusia and a team from the Spanish first division. My goal is to play as much as possible, experience La Liga, and, of course, help my team to stay up.”
With former Spain greats like ex-Barcelona and Osasuna player Ion Andoni Goikoetxea stating that Suso is Almeria’s most important player, the pressure to continue to perform and help his team stay up is something the young Cadiz man will need to cope with over the rest of the season.
This pressure, alongside all the benefit of playing regularly in La Liga, will better prepare him for next season when surely Brendan Rodgers will recall him to the Liverpool squad and he faces an even greater challenge – getting into the starting 11 and winning matches at the top of the Premier League.
That’s his challenge, but so far Suso seems to be passing every new challenge he faces with flying colours. Long may it continue.
You can catch more from me on my own blog: http://taintlessred.blogspot.co.uk/
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Where would he play tho that is the problem, he didn’t seem the quickest last season, lets hope he is still developing pace. Would think he will play on the right of a 4,2,3,1 as I reckon with or without champions league football Suarez will pull the same crap in the summer if not sooner. Only this time he will get out(some one will meet liverpools valuation).
Suso is an undoubted talent but can we accommodate 2 C.A.M as I thing that is where both him and countinho would be at there best. In behind Danny’s pace would be frighting.
I agree that it’ll be a big challenge for him. Mentally he will go from being the best player in a team and playing every week to fighting t get in. If Suarez does go then Suso would challenge for the right side of a front 3 I would imagine. And I also agree that pace is a problem, I wonder if he might play in a midfield 3,as he has done very well for Spanish youth teams.
Ya I would like to see him be the top of a 1 up 2 down midfield, but that would mean countinho would be pushed out to the wing where he is not as effective.
What would you think of a 4,3,2,1. Let the fullbacks bomb on while 2 of the 3 deeper midfield players stay deep protecting the defence, that gives you LB,RB, midfielder, striker, left attaicking mid(countinho) and right attaicking mid(suso).
Yes, that could definitely work as Sturridge as the lead if Suarez leaves. It would rely a lot in the defensive ability of Lucas and Gerrard as the only width would come from the full backs and so our flanks would be exposed defensively. Next year I wonder if Gerrard would have the legs for such a task. Perhaps if Henderson sat alongside Lucas deep, and and Gerrard played ahead of them. Or we could buy someone like lars bender would is a top young defensive midfielder.
I dont undastand the reason why suso was sent on loan and luis alberto bought to cover 4 coutinho coz in my opinion suso is far better than him at least wit wat we hav seen so far.
Alberto is a huge talent too. He may not have the top flight experience but i think its fair to say from his distribution against newcastle that he has vision amd technical ability. Just needs a season andd some more intergration.
I have faith in suso, alberto, illori and even aspas to make an impact. All just need time. Particuarly aspas, the judgements on him have been unfair. It. Takes time for aome players to adapt and having only playe 6 i believe i still think there is time for aspas to prove his doubters wrong.
No they dont need time. They need the boot.
Blah blah blah it takes time
Your probably the same dope who wanted koncheskys and dicks and poulsens given more time.
Your the type of utter * that no matter what rubbish Liverpool signed , tools like you come on here with your “I have faith in ….” nonsense
Alberto and Aspas are dross . Just like Allen Assaidi and Borini last season.
I like Alberto too. He is excellent technically with a real eye for a pass and knows how to find space. He’s young and there’s time. Aspas has struggled and a big part of it is confidence. He’s older but highly inexperienced so we will have to wait and see if he has the mental strength.
Suso is better than alberto
Suso is better than Allen
Suso should be at anfield ahead of those 2 cr@p players
No theydont need time. They need the boot.
Blah blah blah it takes time
Your probably the same dope who wanted koncheskys and diao and poulsens given more time.
Your the type of utter tw@t that no matter what rubbish Liverpool signed , tools like you come on here with your “I have faith in ….” nonsense
Alberto and Aspas are dross. Just like Allen Assaidi and Borini last season.
Your a mug mate, Alberto’s barely played a game this season so I don’t know where your getting your opinion on him from, once he gets game he will prove you and everyone else who judges way too quickly wrong. Just look at his record last season
Oooh , his record in the reserve side . Kop on kid
Suso does look quality but with less matches this year it seemed he wouldn’t play as much.
Alberto with a little more age on his side was considered more for the now, if needed, he too is still one for the future and my assumption is that the staff have recognized Suso’ good work in Spain.
This means next year, should he return, Alberto will have to really start performing.
It all adds up to good, solid competition for future generations.
We all want ready made squads but the financial reality is that isn’t possible and building slowly has to be key, at least until we are safely back in the CL. Citeh have bought squads but have only just qualified for CL knock out stages. Sometimes slow and steady beats fast and ready (long term). Just like the Hare & Tortoise tale.
Yes we all want it now but how many people always got what they wanted at Christmas??
Such a boring troll Aaron . Stop boring everyone with your rubbish
Idiot
Stop boring everyone with your trolling and post an opinion related to football PLEASE
Troll Aaron
When he is not posting to call other people idiots he is making homophobic insults to people
Either way , Aaron is a boring troll
And you clearly know nothing about football otherwise you would have given us an insight into your thoughts, as I said, go put the shirt on of whichever club you support and stick to their forum.
Your not wanted here, at least I have stuff, football related to post. Yes I have abused in the past, lots do. I enjoy abusing those who have abused others, myself included, you just troll.
Get a girlfriend, in fact your last one probably dumped you because you couldn’t stop using the words idiot and boring.
Now, what have you to say about LFC? Nothing… There’s a surprise. Pr ick
Boring troll Aaron . Still trolling everyones posts ?
Idiot
I like Suso and Alberto. The latter has suffered thus season from no Europa League or minimal carling cup. Hopefully he’ll get games in the FA Cup.
Great comments Aaron, and forget about this guy, dont let him get ya down!!
Thanks Patrick.
He doesn’t get me down, quite the opposite.
I just want to hear his football opinion… ONCE
Troll Aaron. Writing messages to yourself now too
Idiot
Alberto, is very young are you saying he doesn’t need time to adjust to a new league, new team, new country add to that he was bought for the future. I’m not a fan of Aspas either but you haven’t seen enough Alberto to judge, you a clown mate.
Aspas has done nothing wrong 4 me not to be fan of his,he come good in time.suso getting wright but sill got smallish stature alberto will come good borini will return
SUSO is a huge talent! he deserves the starter role…But I believe in what BR is doing! Just take a look at Wenger! He sent Ramsey n Wilshere on loan for three seasons… But when top players started leaving Arsenal such as Fabregas n Song, there comes the chance for Ramsey n Wilshere… BR Is as clever as Wenger! I really think Alberto, SUSO, Allen, Borini, Robinson, Assaidi, Wisdom will become heroes when the time comes!! Let’s look at SUSO or Allen or Alberto who can replace Stevie G!
Anyone agree wt me?
I like your positivity Steven. Not sure everyone who goes on loan has the ability to become a Liverpool player. I doubt Assaidi will make it, and Borini will need to do more for Sunderland. One great goal isn’t enough.
suso is a future player for liverpool, he’s a good young player, i cant wait to see him back in the team next season. LFC 4 LIFE
Suso is really an out-standing and amazing player that Liverpool need in the team because he his flexible and can play on the right as he cuts in with his left foot, and couthtino on the other side, our strikers will have the chances to score with their excellent passing,on the other side raheem still needs to mature well so aloan can do hm good as suso jets back into the team, we need some one who can hold the ball and thats what raheem lacks
Rodgers has wasted all the good work of our youth team. Wisdom, Sterling, Kelly, Suso, Flanno & Robinson all nowhere to be seen, all have gone backwards. Rodgers is a cheque-book manager, he cant coach or motivate these lads so just signs more to ‘solve’ the problem. Its a disgrace to see these kids careers thrown away by an inept coach.
Can you pleas give us an example of managers who is not a checkbook manager?
So Kelly’s injury is rodgers falt? Tell me how many first team games wisdom,suso and sterling played before Rodgers arrived? This is rodgers second season in charge and robinsons second season onloan, so how is that going backwards? Flanagan unfortunately does not have the pace and attacking ability to play at the top of the league, do think he is solid enough defensively to be a prem player tho. Is it rodgers fault that Flanagan is not quick enough or attaicking enough to play for us?
Sorry should be manager who are not check-book managers?
No sheep . You are proving your stupidity AGAIN.
Flanagan Kelly sterling Robinson Shelvey all looked good before Rodgers got his hands on them . They have gone backwards.
His record at bringing talent through at Swansea was non existent too
No sheep try to educate yourself before talking rubbish.
I agree with realist, no sheep makes some bizarre points like ‘how many games did they play before BR arrived’. Sterling would have been 16 or 15 under previous managers!! So he obviuosly wouldnt have got games at that age. The others too although Kelly played under Roy & Kenny and looked a better player then.
well you agreeing with that clown says enough about you. first off you talked about how all those player have gone backwards under rodgers sterling was 17 when kenny left, a few months younger then when Rodgers started playing him, maybe 3 months. dont remember him geting any real time on the pitch before rodgers arrived. your right kelly did look better under roy and kenny, but that is more down to the fact that he wasn’t walking with a crutch.
There is only one clown here no sheep
Guess what ? It’s the same clown who thinks Liverpool are better withoutsuarez. The same clown who thinks Wilshire is not a arsenal first teamer
Sterling was given his debut and a few sub apps by Kenny, and looked great.
All the youth have gone backwards under Rodgers .
I think you slightly exaggerate. The fans want success, everyone connected to the club wants success.
You don’t replace a Carragher with a youth player, unless they are exceptional, hence why the chequebook came out.
We don’t have enough games, since exiting league cup for the kids to get game time.
That’s why they have gone on loan to gain experience and come back stronger or to not stunt their growth. Some wont come back but thats football.
Kelly had injuries to recover from, Suso loan looks a success ditto with wisdom but early days for him, Robinson is doing well Flanno doesn’t seem like he’ll cut it and sterling hasn’t stepped up and too
wil go on loan.
I fail to see how offering match day experience, without affecting our seasons chances is sending them backwards or a sign of a bad coach at all, it was BR who first brought them into the fray anyway.
Maybe I’ve missed something
What a boring troll Aaron is . Same boring nonsense every day.
Idiot
Niall everyone is entitled to their opinion so stop critcising others opinion
He will return a more rounded player and should get a chance to prove it!!!!
Who is this guy ‘troll hunter’? Is he here to contribute anything at all?
I like the fact that BR is also investing in the next Suso’s and Alberto’s with signings such as Canos and Chirivella. It’s not all about the here and now. I remember, I think it was maybe Rafa who said that it’s not just about winning and succeeding now, but the ability to do so continually in the future.
Don’t allow yourselves to forget the great work that enabled us to not just win, but retain the crown when that day comes!
Troll Hunter only responds to me now so I’m going to call him my little pet.
He’s not the brightest, doesn’t get out much, knows nothing, NOTHING about football but I like him.
Sounds like a ‘cuddly’ kind of guy.
Aaron trolling again .
Aaron insults people he doesnt like the opinions of . He calls them names or sometimes abuses them with homophobic comments
Idiot
I agree. Though signings like Canos and Chirivella are down to Rafa. He may have left ages ago but it is his structure and intention that is still being continued thanks to Borell and others that are continuing his vision. BR didn’t have anything to do with those signings, they’ve been tracked for some time. But BRs use of youngsters last term has helped in convincing potential young players that there is a route to the first team.
I know what you’re saying, but these players still need the nod from Brendan to come here I’m sure.
No doubting the importance Rafa had on the youth academy. Let’s see how many more young ‘stars’ come through, many knowing that LFC is the place to flourish.
Haven’t seen any young stars ‘flourishing ‘ under Rodgers . Quite the opposite in fact
I must say, troll hunters posts are my favorite to read, even if he’s a grade A halfwit.
good post, and i too have followed him since rafa bought him, i can see his potentia, and hope he returns a more rounded player, aiding the coutinho mold. they both are young and in my opinion could be the iniesta and xavi of barca… the potential is huge, but we alos need to invest more. rafa thought highly of liverpool and his legacy lives on…
Thanks Jatin. I hope that when Suso returns he gets a chance to impress alongside Coutinho, rather than as an understudy. I think the two would interplay really well together, though we’d need to be solid defensively in central midfield to be able to give both of them the license to play.