Stevie relishing trio link up
Steven Gerrard believes an attacking triumvirate of Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will cause plenty of headaches for opposing Barclays Premier League defences this season.
The trio have rarely played together due to injuries but Manchester City felt the full force of their forward thrust when they were dispatched 3-0 at Anfield in April.
A Carroll brace and an expertly taken Kuyt strike secured the win that night, but it was Luis Suarez who took home the man-of-the-match accolade after a livewire performance.
Injuries restricted Gerrard to just three appearances alongside Suarez - and the skipper can't wait to link up with the Uruguayan in 2011-12.
He told LFC Weekly: "Luis is dynamite. He's been magic for us so far. If he can maintain his form I think we've got a star on our hands. He's so direct and has the desire and bottle to get into the box ahead of the defender. He must be a nightmare to mark.
"I'm itching to get out there alongside him because every time I watch him he excites me. He looks like he's going to create something, if not score.
"It's early days and we can't get too carried away by putting too much pressure on him but if he can keep producing those kind of performances, he will be a fantastic signing.
"When Andy (Carroll) is fit, the two of them could make a deadly partnership".
Since moving to Merseyside on January's transfer deadline day, Suarez has established himself as a fans' favourite on the Kop.
But it's not just his ability that has won over supporters, with the 24-year-old's desire and determination to win further endearing him to the Anfield faithful.
"You look at Zidane, Rooney - it's just the way they are," added Gerrard. "The players that don't have the edge lack something, that sparkle or fire in their belly.
"That's what makes Luis who he is. He's a fighter and despite having a lot of skill, he's a worker as well. That's what separates him from others."
Meanwhile, Gerrard is also keen to highlight Kuyt's contribution in 2010-11.
The Dutchman plundered 15 goals in all competitions, including scoring in five successive league games and netting a hat-trick against Manchester United.
"Sometimes his work goes unnoticed but we as players always appreciate the shifts he puts in," said Gerrard.
"Dirk and Luis particularly were very influential towards the end of last season - mainly because both players work unselfishly for the team. The pair of them don't give defenders a moment's rest.
"When you do see them working like that, it encourages the team to do the same - defending from the front."