But England winger doubts the Uruguayan will be recognised come the end of the campaign.
Liverpool midfield player Stewart Downing believes that team-mate Luis Suarez’s chances of winning this year’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year award are being damaged by the Uruguayan’s off-field reputation.
The Reds’ front man has enjoyed a sensational campaign for the Merseysiders, with his hat-trick at Wigan Athletic in the club’s 4-0 Premier League win on Saturday taking the Uruguay international’s tally in the top flight to 21 goals this campaign, two more than Manchester United striker Robin van Persie.
However, the England international feels that a combination of the recent race-row controversy involving Suarez and United full-back Patrice Evra and the player’s reputation for ‘diving’ in the opposition penalty box will both combine to scupper the attacker’s chances to being voted this season’s PFA Player of the Year.
“It should only be judged on his performance on the field and you can’t fault Luis for that,” Downing is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.
“Obviously he’s had things, which have happened in the past, but he’s got on with his football and does his job at the end of the day.
“It should be judged on how he plays and for me, that’s all it boils down to. Nothing else should matter and for me, I think he’s got a hell of a chance.”
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