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Steven Gerrard believes qualifying for the Champions League is vital to Liverpool FC 's hopes of keeping Luis Suarez beyond this season.

The Reds skipper, who previously admitted he worried every day last summer about the prospect of Suarez leaving, is convinced the Uruguay striker will stay put during the January transfer window.

However, Gerrard knows retaining the prolific striker's services next summer could be an issue if Liverpool don't secure a top-four finish.

“I don’t feel like that about January...January will be different because I think Luis is committed,” Gerrard said.

“I think he is happy. I think he is pleased with the decision he has made to stay around.

“He is in good form. The team are playing well so I think January won’t be a problem.

“But come the summer, I think depending how Liverpool have done will determine what goes through Luis’ mind.”

Suarez has netted six league goals in five starts since returning from his 10-game ban and Gerrard is in no doubt about his importance to the Reds' pursuit of a Champions League spot.

“Luis is the key,” Gerrard added. “His goals, his performance and his form will be the key whether we finish in the top four or not.”

The Liverpool midfielder also reaffirmed his belief that Suarez is the best player he's played alongside during his 15 years in the first-team.

“Yes. Simple. He’s out on his own,” he said.

“The only player who comes close to producing what Luis produced in a red shirt is Fernando Torres, but Luis just pipped him for me.”