• Premier League

Suarez and Sturridge can be the best - Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool has the Premier League's best strike partnership in Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge and is adamant the pair will only get better.

On his return to league duty following the completion of his ten-match ban, Suarez scored twice and caused the home side numerous problems in Liverpool's 3-1 victory at Sunderland on Sunday.

Both of the Uruguayan's goals were assisted by Sturridge, who also opened the scoring at the Stadium of Light, and left Rodgers ecstatic with the pair's teamwork.

"I'm not sure there's two better in the league," Rodgers said. "These two can be the best in the country. The two of them looked very bright but they can only get better.

"Daniel [Sturridge] is becoming much more of a team player. They are two very different players which makes it difficult for defenders. The dynamics look good."

Following their win in the North East, Liverpool rose to second in the table behind Arsenal - the team who had bids for Suarez rejected in the transfer window.

However, following a turbulent summer of transfer talk, Rodgers praised Suarez for his mentality and work-rate in order to maintain his sharpness in front of goal.

"Luis is not fazed by much," Rodgers said. "He's got a remarkable mentality. His determination is just so focused. He's great for the team, great for the supporters.

"Luis is someone who loves football. I know how much it [the ban] hurt him. During it he wanted lots of extra work, extra finishing sessions, extra conditioning sessions. When he came back he wanted to be up to speed. He knew it would be very hard for him if he wasn't very good when he came back."

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