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Luis Suarez has backed Mario Balotelli to come good for Liverpool - despite his poor first season at Anfield.

The Italian was signed as Suarez's successor last summer after he joined Barcelona, but has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside, scoring just once in the Premier League.

However Suarez, who is set to face off against Bayern Munich in Barca's Champions League semi final clash on Tuesday, defended Balotelli, reports the Liverpool Echo.

“I think Mario has played for big clubs, proving himself to be a formidable player,” the 28-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.

Mario Balotelli's Liverpool career 28 Games 4 Goals

"It is not easy to place himself at Manchester City and return to England. It has not been easy for him but he is still a great player.”

Balotelli was left out of Brendan Rodgers' squad as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with 18-year-old starlet Jerome Sinclair preferred to the former Inter, Manchester City and AC Milan forward.

Suarez, meanwhile, has continued his blistering form since moving on from Anfield, bagging 25 goals for the Catalan outfit this season.