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There is no escaping the fact that Luis Suarez’s impending move to Barcelona will leave a giant void at Anfield.

Forget the talk about his disciplinary record making him a liability and more trouble than he’s worth, this is a player rated by skipper Steven Gerrard as the greatest he has ever rubbed shoulders with.

Unlike Fernando Torres, who had downed tools long before he finally ran off to Chelsea in 2011, Suarez’s commitment to the cause on the field at least has been unwavering.

Maybe his heroics last season were motivated simply by a burning desire to prove to Barcelona that he was worth the fee of around £75million they would have to pay to trigger the release clause in his contract.

Maybe those tears on that wretched night at Selhurst Park in May were for himself rather than the club in the knowledge that his last shot at clinching the Premier League crown had slipped from his grasp.

Maybe this seemingly inevitable parting of the ways is the best solution for everyone.

But the bottom line in his contribution to an unexpected title challenge last term was remarkable – 31 league goals and 13 assists.

Not since Ian Rush nearly three decades earlier had Liverpool boasted such a lethal marksman. The variety and sheer quality of his goals were breathtaking.

Yet now the Reds must face up to a future without him as the most prolific partnership in European football is broken up. Suarez and Daniel Sturridge , who netted 21 of Liverpool’s 101 league goals, outscored most of Anfield’s most famous pairings. You have to go back to 1963/64 when Bill Shankly’s cherished duo of Roger Hunt (31) and Ian St John (21) tormented defenders to find such a potent double act.

Trying to find a like for like replacement for Suarez would be impossible. There isn’t another Suarez – but that doesn’t mean that his exit is destined to wreck the 2014/15 campaign before it’s even began.

For starters, it’s not as if Sturridge will be left impotent by Suarez’s exit. In fact it will probably have the opposite effect on him.

Brendan Rodgers never viewed them as a partnership.

To the manager they were simply two supremely gifted attackers who he needed to ensure had a platform to flourish in his line-up.

Whether it was 3-5-2, 4-3-3, 4-1-4-1 or a 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond, it was all about utilising their strengths. Getting the right balance was a constant challenge for Rodgers.

The on-field friction between Suarez and Sturridge was never far from the surface and the England international’s admission at the World Cup that “they aren’t on texting terms” spoke volumes.

It’s also worth remembering that Sturridge made a flying start to last season when he relished being the main man while Suarez completed his 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

This week Sturridge was pictured on holiday in Los Angeles hanging out backstage with US musician Pharrell Williams and American Football star DeSean Jackson at the BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards.

This is a man who clearly enjoys the spotlight. His outstanding form last season was overshadowed by a certain Uruguayan. Now he will take centre stage.

Reds’ trip to the States so timely after heroics in Brazil

It might lack the fanaticism associated with a trip to the Far East but Liverpool will see for themselves the growing passion for football in the United States later this month.

A fortnight tomorrow Brendan Rodgers’ squad will set off on a two-week trip which will involve outings in Boston, Chicago, New York, Charlotte and, possibly, Miami.

Ticket sales are going well with the friendly against Roma at Fenway Park a precursor to the International Champions Cup which involves group games against Olympiacos, Manchester City and AC Milan.

However, promoters for the match in Chicago may want to ditch the images of Luis Suarez which have featured prominently in ads across the city.

Some 28,000 fans packed into Soldier Field – home of the Chicago Bears – this week to watch on the big screen as the United States bowed out of the World Cup following a gutsy display against Belgium.

American fans bought more tickets than any other visiting nation in Brazil and the sport’s soaring popularity across the Atlantic has even led to talk of them hosting the tournament in 2026.

There have been record viewing figures for World Cup matches in the United States with more than 25million tuning in.

Liverpool’s latest tour is certainly timely and allows them a glorious opportunity to expand their fanbase Stateside.

Appeal for Reds to sit on club’s fans committee

Liverpool fans are being given the opportunity to become a member of the official Liverpool FC Supporters’ Committee

Four fans are being recruited to represent the following four categories: non season ticket holders and members; black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME); lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); LFC Official Supporters Club.

The committee consists of 12 voluntary fan representatives and an honorary president who meet four times a year with senior club officials. It aims to help the club better understand the issues that most concern supporters.

Bob Humphries, chair of the official Liverpool FC Supporters’ Committee, said “This is a great opportunity for every supporter of LFC to help shape the issues that matter most to fans. Although a lot of time and effort is needed, it is ultimately rewarding.”

The shortlisted profiles will be announced on the official LFC website where fans will have the opportunity to vote on who they would like to earn each position.

The fan with the most votes within the category will then become the representative on the committee.

The closing date for applicants will be 9am on Monday. Any questions can be sent to HonoraryPresident@liverpoolfcsc.com.

Fans can apply at: www.liverpoolfc.com/fans/lfcsccommittee memberapplication.

Lallana showed his class with goodbye to Southampton fans

Liverpool new boy Adam Lallana showed his class this week when he took out a full page advert in the Southern Daily Echo to say his goodbyes to Southampton fans.

The England international midfielder had been with Saints since the age of 12.

His message read: “The memories will last a lifetime.

“Thank you Saints fans for your endless support.”

A quick check with the ECHO’s advertising department confirmed there has so far been no call from a Mr Suarez of Montevideo looking to place anything similar.

● FORMER Liverpool FC youth coach Hugh McAuley is running two football camps during the summer holidays.

They will be aimed at girls and boys aged between four and 16. The first camp is at Redgate School in Formby from July 28 to July 31.

There is also one at Edge Hill University in Ormksirk from August 4 to August 7.

For more information and details on how to book places visit: www.hughmcauleyfootball.com

● JAMIE CARRAGHER Soccer Schools are running a four-day tournament for teams from under-7s to under-10s at Walton Hall Park Soccer Centre from July 29 to August 1. Email james.olsen@jamiecarragher soccerschools.com

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