Jordan Henderson says Luis Suarez can ’cause any team problems’ as the forward prepares to return to former side Liverpool this week.
Liverpool face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League’s group stages on Wednesday night, a fixture that will see former favourite Suarez return to Merseyside with the Spanish champions.
Suarez established himself as arguably the Premier League’s finest footballer during three-and-a-half seasons with Liverpool, being named as the PFA Player of the Year during his final season at Anfield.
Henderson – who played alongside Suarez during his time in English football – admits he ‘learned a lot’ from the Uruguayan and has warned the Reds will need to be at their best to contain the 34-year-old.
“We all know he’s been a top player for a long time,” Henderson told a pre-match press conference.
“I learned a lot from him during his time here. I’m quite close to him. I still speak to him. We need to be on our guard with him. Luis is a top striker who will cause any team problems.”
“He’s a world class player and causes a lot of problems for defences. He’s always in and around the goal and if he gets a chance, I’m sure he’ll take it”.
Suarez scored 82 goals in just 133 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions, winning the Premier League’s Golden Boot in 2013/14 before making a £75m move to Barcelona.
Henderson is hopeful that the Atletico Madrid forward receives a warm reception from the Anfield crowd, though only after the full-time whistle.
“I think when Luis was here he was phenomenal for a number of years. He was outstanding and I think the fans know and the fans will appreciate that and what he did at this football club.
“I don’t think Luis will be too bothered but after the game it would be nice. Maybe not during the game but after the game it would be nice for him to get a good reception from the crowd.”
