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Luis Suarez: El Pistolero

Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez's nickname may translate into English as 'The Gunner', but there can be no doubting which Premier League fans will be chanting his name over the next few years. Since signing for Liverpool in 2011's January transfer window, Suarez has become the face of the a new age at the club, wasting no time in endearing himself to everyone connected with the club.

But even before he joined the Reds, he had carved out a reputation as one of the finest marksmen on the planet. He began his career in his homeland with Nacional. In his time with the Tricolores he struck 12 goals in 29 appearances and helped them to lift the Primera Division title in 2006.

Still a teenager, his debut season caught the eye of some of Europe's top clubs, but it was with Groningen that he made the move across the Atlantic. His form with the Eredivisie went from strength to strength. Again, he played only a single season with his club before moving on to bigger and better things.

His best season was 2009-10, when he scored an incredible 49 goals in 48 games. He fired Ajax to the KNVB Cup and was crowned Dutch Player of the Year. It was at this point that the big boys came sniffing. Suarez was a wanted man and it was testiment to the high price placed on his head that it took until the following January for somebody to make them an offer they couldn't refuse.

Liverpool swooped in the winter transfer window to buy him for a short-lived club record of £23.5million. The sum was soon exceeded by the purchase of his new strike partner, but both transfers combined illustrated the ambition of the club's new owners and of their faith in Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish, who had recently been reinstalled in the hotseat. 

Suarez made an immediate impression. Liverpool fans have long since been a fan of skilfull, industrious strikers and the Uruguayan is the perfect blend of these traits. He found the net four times in the back half of his debut season and adapted very quickly to the pace of the Premier League.

In his homeland, Suarez is revered as a national hero. Alongside Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani, he has helped forged one of the deadliest strikeforces in international football. He was Player of the Tournament in Uruguay's Copa America triumph last summer, scoring four times. He was also instrumental in leading his side to a surprise World Cup Semi Final in South Africa. Suarez scored three times in six games en route to the last four, but his tournament was to end in controversy.

In a Quarter Final with Ghana, heading towards a penalty shootout, Suarez dived to save a goalbound shot from Asamoah Gyan in the last moments of extra time. He was dismissed, but Uruguay went on to triumph on penalties. His jubilant celebrations afterwards attracted the ire of many, but for others, emphasised one of Suarez's best qualities: he is a winner and a patriot. 

There is no doubting that with Uruguay and Liverpool, Luis will have many moments in his career to outshine that one. 

Luis Suarez fires home the opening goal in the 2012 Carling Cup semi-final for Liverpool against derby rivals Everton.
Luis Suarez fires home the opening goal in the 2012 Carling Cup semi-final for Liverpool against derby rivals Everton.
Suarez celebrates scoring Uruguay's second goal in their Round of 16 win over South Korea at World Cup 2010 at Port Elizabeth Stadium in South Africa.
Suarez kisses the Copa America trophy after helping guide Uruguay to a famous win in the tournament.
Suarez celebrates adding to his tally of Liverpool goals against Stoke in a 2012 Premier League fixture.
Suarez fires home at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Suarez in action for Ajax in 2008.
Luis Suarez fires home the opening goal in the 2012 Carling Cup semi-final for Liverpool against derby rivals Everton.
 
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