Despite spending the season plying his trade at relegation fodder UD Almeria, Suso has been one of sides most consistent performers with his increased match time reaping obvious rewards.
With injuries to Philippe Coutinho and striker Daniel Sturridge hampering the Reds this season, many were questioning why the youngster — an obvious attacking threat — was allowed to leave on loan when he could be playing a part back on Merseyside. In a recent chat with the official site, the Spanish youngster revealed that Brendan Rodgers didn’t want to let him leave on loan — but the Spaniard insisted that spending the season in his home country developing his skills was the best thing for him right now.
“Liverpool wanted me to stay; they didn’t say I had to go on loan” said Suso, who continued, “But I know there are a lot of good players at Liverpool, maybe I wasn’t going to start games. I am young – the most important thing right now is that I have to play.” And play he has — in 13 appearances for the Spanish side, the youngster has set-up five goals and added two more of his own. Time on the pitch is exactly what the attacking-midfielder, who came to Liverpool as a wide-eyed 16 year old, needed.
After making his full Liverpool debut under Brendan Rodgers in a Europa League clash with BSC Young Boys last season, the Spaniard made his Anfield bow only three days later against Manchester United, turning in a eye-catching performance. No one, especially not him, has looked back since. “For young players, the option of going on loan somewhere is a good thing for everyone. You have to learn, you have to improve and you have to play football.” That’s food for thought for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Jon Flanagan; although both are enjoying spells in the Reds first team, it’s only fleeting. There’s work to be done and doing it with regular match time might be the best way forward for them — just ask Suso.
