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They are the deadly double act who are providing the inspiration in Liverpool FC’s pursuit of a Champions League spot.

When Daniel Sturridge tucked away Luis Suarez’s cross-shot at West Brom last weekend it was the 37th Premier League goal the duo have shared this season. Remarkably, they have made just 35 league appearances between them.

Not since Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore were operating in tandem have Liverpool boasted such a prolific front two.

With 14 games still to play, Suarez and Sturridge look set to shatter the combined tally of 42 league goals Fowler (28) and Collymore (14) bagged in 1995/96.

They are also within sight of out-scoring some of Anfield’s most famous pairings.

John Barnes (22) and Ian Rush (18) got 40 in the league between them in the club’s last title-winning campaign of 1989/90.

When the championship was also clinched two years prior to that John Aldridge (26) and Peter Beardsley (15) netted on 41 occasions. Rush (24) and Kenny Dalglish (18) went one better than that in the triumphant 1982/83 season.

If Suarez and Sturridge maintain their sky-high standards until May they could even break the tally of 52 league goals the cherished duo of Roger Hunt (31) and Ian St John (21) plundered under Bill Shankly in 1963/64.

Nicknamed the SAS, they have firmly established themselves as the Premier League’s most lethal front two but Brendan Rodgers doesn’t view them as a strike partnership.

The Reds boss insists they are simply two supremely gifted attackers flourishing in a line up which plays to their strengths.

“Their job is to create and score goals and they are doing that remarkably well,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“Both are outstanding talents but they aren’t the partnership that everyone goes on about.

“They are different types of players who fit into a system. What we have is two individuals with qualities which are different. Both have a desire to score goals but they are not your traditional partnership.

“I see them as two very talented players we are looking to integrate into a team structure. My job is to fit them into the team.”

Accommodating the two of them and getting the right balance in the side has been a challenge at times.

Rodgers has utilised various formations this term, including playing them both through the centre in a 3-5-2.

In recent weeks it has been 4-1-4-1 with Suarez or Sturridge taking it in turns to cut inside off the left flank. It worked a treat in the derby demolition of Everton.

“There is a lot of tactical thinking that goes on behind them,” Rodgers said.

“3-5-2 is a system we can play but it’s not one I prefer to play because of the space you offer up the sides. I like to have superiority in the middle of the field.

“Both Luis and Daniel can play on the sides, but when one of them does we give them the freedom to move and penetrate, especially Daniel because his penetration is so fast and that’s a key part of the game for us.

“They interchange because they are floating players anyway and their movement is really dynamic. When they haven’t got the ball they have to work like animals as there is a big responsibility on them to defend that side of the field.

“Behind that we just need to ensure that tactically we can block and cover the spaces. That’s something that Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson did so well against Everton.

“I’ll always go with an offensive mindset but there always has to be tactical discipline.

“They all have to buy into the team and we’ve seen that during my time here. The team is a work in progress, I don’t set it up just for Luis and Daniel.

“It’s about good players and maximising their talents. At this moment in time as we have evolved as a team and got better they have grown with it as well.”

There has been some well documented on-pitch friction between the two in recent weeks.

Suarez didn’t attempt to hide his frustration as he gesticulated wildly in Sturridge’s direction after the England international went for goal and missed rather than pick him out with a pass against both Bournemouth and Everton.

Rodgers insists episodes like that merely underline the Uruguayan frontman’s burning desire for success.

“With Luis, I don’t think it would have mattered if it was Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling or Steven Gerrard – he would be exactly the same,” Rodgers said.

“If he thinks he’s in a better position he will ask for the ball.

“It’s that competitive edge. There’s not a problem. The two of them get on well.

“Luis and Daniel have a good relationship and there is a healthy respect there.”

Suarez, who missed the opening five league games due to suspension, has netted 23 league goals in 19 matches.

He is not only on course to clinch the Golden Boot but also break the Premier League record for most goals in a season.

That accolade is jointly held by Andy Cole (Newcastle, 1993/94) and Alan Shearer (Blackburn Rovers, 1994/95), who each scored 34 over a 42-game league campaign.

His run from the halfway line and cool finish past Tim Howard in last week’s derby at Anfield means Suarez has already equalled the number of league goals he netted last season.

“What didn’t get the credit was the quality of the finish,” Rodgers said.

“To show that composure after running that far with the ball was outstanding. He’s such a strong runner with the ball.”

Sturridge’s season has been interrupted by thigh and ankle injuries but the 24-year-old’s scoring record is hugely impressive.

The £12million man boasts 14 league goals in 16 games and has found the net in his last six appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

Sturridge lit up the derby with a sensational double before missing a penalty. He blotted his copybook with his reaction to being substituted but swiftly apologised.

In the wake of that episode, Rodgers took the opportunity to merely reinforce the importance of the strong team ethos which has put Liverpool in a golden position to secure a top four finish.

“There was probably more made of it than what it actually was to be honest,” Rodgers added.

“I know Daniel Sturridge and I know he wasn’t being disrespectful to the manager.

“He knows how I’ve backed him on and off the field here. I know the personality. He was obviously disappointed.

“I just reiterated after the game about the developments we’ve made over the past 18 months. We’re a team now.

“We have a method of play which is based around the team, not any individual players. Good players make it better but it’s about the team and I reinforced that.”