Soccer:Luis Suarez was the talk of the DW Stadium tonight as his brilliant hat-trick fired Liverpool to a 4-0 win at Wigan.
The Uruguayan was at his untouchable best as he became the third Liverpool player to score 20 goals in a Premier League season, joining Robbie Fowler (25 and 28) and Fernando Torres (24).
With 10 games to go he has 21 in the league - two clear of nearest rival Robin van Persie in the race for the Golden Boot - and his team-mates were quick to laud him this evening.
“I can say he can do something out of nothing,” said goalkeeper Pepe Reina on ESPN. “He can score for himself or give assists for team-mates.”
England international Stewart Downing, who opened the scoring in the first minute, added: “He must be a nightmare for defenders. He can be quiet but they know they have to be on their toes. He can score out of nothing, he is top quality and has been brilliant all season."
Manager Brendan Rodgers continued the tributes to Suarez’s performance.
“He’s such a pleasure to work with,” he added. “This is a man, and it might seem strange, who not only trains every day but wants to train every day. He is so hungry and has the humility. He is in there pleased for the team. He has quality, finishing, work-rate and that’s what makes him world class.”
Philippe Coutinho also impressed again, suggesting he is settling into life in England following his move from Inter Milan.
“He is still picking up fitness and got another 60, 70 minutes today,” Rodgers said of the midfielder. “You can see how he fits in to us. But this was a fantastic team performance.”
