Match Report: Liverpool 2 - 3 Udinese

Three second-half goals sent Liverpool spinning to defeat in their Europa League Group A match at Anfield.

Brendan Rodgers' team led when Jonjo Shelvey headed them into a first-half lead from Stewart Downing's cross.

However, Antonio Di Natale levelled the scores early in the second half and a Sebastian Coates own goal and Giovanni Pasquale effort made it 3-1 before substitute Luis Suarez concluded a burst of three goals in five minutes when he reduced the deficit.

Liverpool made a bright start to the contest, with Oussama Assaidi shooting wide, Shelvey seeing an effort deflect off-target and from the resulting corner, the unmarked Coates sending a header towards goal which Zeljko Brkic just managed to keep out.

Udinese fired a warning at the other end when Jose Reina punched the ball in the direction of Di Natale, who responded with a strike that the Spaniard pushed away.

Reina then pulled off a superb stop to keep the scores level, getting down to turn Medhi Benatia's header from a Di Natale free-kick around the post.

The hosts went back on the attack and after Fabio Borini had dragged a shot across the face of goal having squirmed past a clutch of players, Brendan Rodgers' men made the breakthrough.

Shelvey collected the ball in midfield, sent it out wide to Downing, charged into the box and met the return cross with a crashing header past Brkic.

It was a third goal of the season for Shelvey, who had come off the bench to score a brace which secured Liverpool a 5-3 victory in their opening group game against Young Boys.

The Reds looked to have things under control, but Di Natale went close again just before the half-hour mark with an effort that just cleared the bar.

Liverpool pressurized once more but to no avail, with Glen Johnson firing over after Downing's shot was blocked, Jordan Henderson unable to make the most of a header and a Shelvey strike deflecting wide.

Rodgers had spoken in the build-up to the game about the need to keep tabs on Di Natale and less than a minute into the second half the 34-year-old punished the hosts for giving possession away.

Johnson lost the ball and it came to Di Natale, whose one-two with substitute Andrea Lazzari ended with the 34-year-old skipper expertly guiding a shot past Reina.

Rodgers reacted by introducing Steven Gerrard and Suarez, and the latter was unlucky not to restore Liverpool's lead when his acrobatic volley was inadvertently prevented from going in by the legs of his team-mate Shelvey.

Moments later, though, Udinese were in front themselves as Coates nodded a free-kick into his own net with 20 minutes remaining.

Within two minutes the Italian side had scored again to leave Anfield stunned as Di Natale brought down a long ball and rolled it to Pasquale, who drilled in from outside the box.

The goal rush did not let up, with Suarez swiftly pulling one back direct from a free-kick with a delightful curling shot.

A further effort from the Uruguayan was then clawed away by Brkic, who also pushed a low strike by Suarez to safety.

Another substitute, Raheem Sterling, also showed plenty of endeavour with a couple of late attempts, but the equalizer would not come and Liverpool find themselves third in the group after this defeat and Anzhi Makhachkala's defeat of Young Boys in the night's other Group A contest.

Rodgers: Liverpool Were Lazy Against Udinese

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers challenged his players to improve their concentration after seeing Udinese come from behind to win 3-2 at Anfield.

The Italians scored three second-half goals to transform the Europa League tie after Liverpool dominated the opening 45 minutes to lead 1-0.

"We concede goals too easily," Rodgers said. "It's an area we have to work on.

"We were very good in the first half but we lost concentration and became lazy and found ourselves 3-1 down."

This was a third successive home defeat for Liverpool but Rodgers can see the areas his side must improve on ahead of the visit of Stoke in the Premier League on Sunday. "I thought the team worked very well but we can't have to score three, four or five goals to win games," Rodgers said.

Liverpool completed nearly four times as many passes at their Italian opponents at Anfield but having seen Antonio Di Natale equalize 32 seconds after the restart, they conceded two further goals in three second-half minutes as the match slipped away.

Rodgers introduced Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling as Liverpool attempted to rescue a point and although the Uruguayan striker pulled a goal back, it was too little too late.

"We injected some quality into the game in the last 15 minutes or so and got a goal back but we are just disappointed that after such a good first-half performance we have given away such poor goals," Rodgers added.

The result leaves the Premier League club third in Group A, a point behind Udinese and Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala after two games.

"It is still very tight and there are some excellent teams in our group," Rodgers said.

"For us it is important to qualify of course, but it is also an opportunity to give some of our younger players a chance."

Liverpool Set Sights On Basic Signing

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on another young addition at Anfield, with Josip Basic reportedly on the Reds radar.

TalkSPORT claims the 16-year-old Hadjuk Split starlet – who remains on Scholarship terms with the Croatian club – could sign his first professional deal on Merseyside if the club are successful in their pursuit.

Jutarnji List, a national paper in the player’s homeland, claims Liverpool have been ‘observing’ the player, and have taken a shine to the captain of the nation’s U17 side.

Basic would join a long list of talented youngsters at Anfield if he made the move to England, with Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom all getting their chance in both the Premier League and Europe.

Indeed, all three players are set to be offered new contracts after impressing at the start of the season for the Liverpool first team, and their progress suggests that Basic might be able to earn a senior chance if he joined the Rodgers revolution.

Benfica Forward Nolito Is Wanted By Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool are planning an £18million move for Benfica forward Nolito, reports talkSPORT.

The 25-year-old Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the Portuguese Liga's most sought-after assets, scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season.

And, after the summer arrival of new Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers, the Reds' long-term interest in the former Barcelona B star is believed to have strengthened.

Nolito - who can hug the touchline or drift inside - would fit nicely into Liverpool's new dynamic 4-3-3 formation, and could provide some much needed support to Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Fabio Borini.

The impact of Borini on Merseyside in particular, has been disappointing so far, with a return of just one goal in the Italian's first ten games, since arriving from Roma in the summer.

Rodgers will be keen to add more quality to his ranks in the attacking department, as Liverpool continue their search for a long-term replacement for club-record signing Andy Carroll - whose future almost certainly lies away from Anfield, after the £35million man was sent out on loan to West Ham.

Nolito netted 29 goals in 106 games during his time with Barcelona B, but turned down a professional contract at Camp Nou in 2011, in favour of more first-team opportunities with Benfica.

The forward's desire, and love for the game is sure to be an attraction for Rodgers, but whether Liverpool will be able to generate enough money to make a move possible, only time will tell.

Manchester United Defender Reveals Liverpool Snub

Manchester United defender Scott Wootton has revealed how he almost signed for Premier League rivals Liverpool.

The 21-year-old had a rather unconventional route to the United first-team, in that he hails from Birkenhead, and was initially on the books of Tranmere Rovers.

However, it wasn't long before Liverpool was showing an interest, and so he moved to their academy. Sir Alex Ferguson always kept in touch though, and when Wootton hesitated over signing scholarship forms at Anfield, the Red Devils made their move.

"I wasn't too sure whether I was going to sign (for Liverpool)," he is quoted by the Daily Mail. "United invited me down for a week's trial and said they wanted to sign straight after that. It was really good."

Wootton has been catapulted into United's first-team squad thanks to the injury crisis that has already robbed Ferguson of three central defenders, and leaves him at risk of being without a fourth if Jonny Evans fails to shake off the effects of a dead leg, ahead of the Premier League trip to Newcastle on Sunday.

The talented youngster made his first senior start against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup, and came off the substitutes' bench in Tuesday's Champions League win over Cluj in Romania.

And, while United fans will be eager to see the club's injury problems eased, Wootton could be forgiven for wanting it to carry on a little bit longer.

"The last week or so has been amazing," he enthused. "To make my competitive debut in the League Cup and then to come on and play in the Champions League is a great feeling. It's something I'm made up with.

"It is always the way. As a young player, obviously you don't wish injuries on someone, but that's how you might get your chance. I got my chance against Newcastle through injuries. It's just the way it is."

Liverpool Secure Another Turkish Deal

Liverpool have followed the summer signing of Turkey international Nuri Sahin by securing a partnership with Turkish betting brand Misili.com.

The Reds already have a deal with bookmaker Paddy Power for the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy, while 118BET are the club's international betting partner.

In Misli.com, Liverpool now have a partner with exclusive rights to the Turkish market only, and Anfield managing director Ian Ayre is delighted to see the club continue to expand its reach.

Ayre was also keen to outline Liverpool's eternal connection with Turkey, given their epic Champions League final defeat of AC Milan in Istanbul over seven years ago.

"Our partnership portfolio continues to expand globally through this new partnership in Turkey with Misli.com," Ayre told the official Liverpool website.

"All football fans know that Liverpool FC has a special connection with Turkey, especially since our Champions League win in Istanbul back in 2005.

"We recently completed a TV series in Turkey called Soccer Prince which has enhanced our profile in the country and our partnerships with Turkey Tourism and Ramsey demonstrate the value that we're delivering to organizations in Turkey.

"When you mix all of those ingredients together, alongside the exciting promotions we plan to run with Misli.com, the signs look good for a successful partnership."

Downing Disappointed By Rodgers

Liverpool’s Stewart Downing admitted he was “disappointed” by recent comments from Reds boss Brendan Rodgers regarding the winger’s future on Anfield.

Downing has been out of favour since Rodgers took the reins on the red side of Merseyside and the former Swansea boss last week questioned whether the £20million signing from Aston Villa had the “fight” to succeed at Liverpool.

While the 28-year-old revealed he was not happy about his manager's words, he insisted he was ready to work hard and show the kind of commitment that has been asked of him.

“I was disappointed by what was said but if that’s the way the manager sees it I have to take it,” Downing told the Liverpool Echo.

“That’s fine. I’ll fight, I’ll fight every day.

“I have done that since I was 10 years old when I was trying to get through at Middlesbrough.”

Downing started the season in Rodgers’ side, but was relegated to the bench after the disastrous opening day defeat to West Brom at The Hawthorns and has since found opportunities difficult to come by.

The England international was not even a substitute in the recent defeat to Manchester United and failed to get off of the bench in Liverpool’s first win of the season at Norwich City last weekend.

Despite the lack of playing time, Downing is determined to stay at Anfield and is hoping his fortunes change.

“I haven’t even considered the idea of leaving here. I’ve still got three years left on my contract and I intend to see that through. In fact I want to stay even longer than that,” he added.

“I love playing for Liverpool and it’s a great club with great fans. I don’t want to leave and I don’t want to play for anyone else.

“I’m enjoying it here. Yes, I’m disappointed that I’m not in the team at the moment but football is a funny game.

“Things can quickly change. This time next month I could be playing every week.”

Liverpool Defender To Be Rewarded With New Contract

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is set to sign a new contract at Liverpool that should ensure the Dane spends his prime years of his career at Anfield.

The centre back, who was closely linked with moves to Manchester City and Real Madrid during the summer transfer window is close to signing a new £75,000 per week deal at Liverpool on a reported four year contract the Mirror report, following lengthy negotiations between the club and Agger’s representatives.

The 27-year-old arrived from Danish side Bromby in 2006, and despite occasionally being plagued with injury, had developed into one of the club’s most stylish and solid defenders.

It appeared on a number of occasions during the summer that Agger was on the verge of leaving the club. Manchester City reportedly had two bids rejected for the defender, while interest emanating from Barcelona and Real Madrid refused to go away. A move failed to materialize however, and the defender chose to stick around to be part of Brendan Rodgers’s Anfield revolution.

The young trio of Raheem Sterling, Andre Wisdom and Suso are all reportedly to be offered long term deals at the club, following their impressive starts to the season. The Mirror reports that Suso is to be offered a five-year deal, amid suggestions that Real Madrid are monitoring the situation. The 18-year-old’s current deal expires next summer.

Liverpool Owners Endure Further Disappointment

Defeat to Manchester United almost two weeks ago was a bitter pill to swallow for the Liverpool faithful, but the club's owners have become reluctantly accustomed to losing out against their biggest rivals.

Fenway Sports Group's other team across the Atlantic, the Boston Red Sox, have just ended their worst season for 47 years - which included a staggering 13 losses against arch rivals the New York Yankees.

Liverpool fans would loath to contemplate losing just once to Manchester United in a single season, but can surely be thankful they do not have to face a pummelling similar to their American brothers.

John Henry, owner of Liverpool and the Red Sox, can hardly buy any luck at the moment - and he has certainly tried - with both his sides breaking records they would rather forget.

Liverpool recorded their first league win of the Premier League season last Saturday with a 5-2 defeat of Norwich after beginning the campaign in the worst fashion for over a century.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox's most disappointing season for almost 50 years included a run of 26 defeats in their final 33 contests, and 93 losses over the campaign as a whole.

And, as if to rub it in even further, their final outing ended in a humiliating 14-2 loss to - you guessed it - the Yankess, who progressed into the playoffs.

Europa League: Liverpool FC v Udinese

On Thursday night at Anfield Liverpool play their first Europa League group game against Italian side Udinese. ECHO Sport's Neil Jones runs the rule over a team punching well above their weight in recent seasons - and a club with ambitions beyond their own borders.

For a club with an average attendance of around 15,000, from a city of just 100,000 inhabitants, Udinese have been making quite a splash over the past few years. Tomorrow, they head to Anfield looking to strengthen their bid for a place in the Europa League knockout stages.

And despite an indifferent start to their league campaign, which has seen them take six points from their first six games, the Bianconeri will arrive on Merseyside confident they can spring a surprise. Brendan Rodgers and his side have been warned; the 'Little Zebras' should not be underestimated. It has been a transitional few months at Stadio Friuli, but then it often is.

Italian football is a place dominated by the traditional powerhouses – chiefly, the Milan giants and current champions Juventus. The likes of Udinese, ostensibly a small club with a modest following, are rarely expected to compete. And if they do, then they usually see their best players picked off by the big boys.

That was exactly what happened this summer. Having finished a barely-credible third in Serie A last season, ahead of the likes of Roma, Lazio and Inter, Udinese saw their immensely promising squad picked apart in the close-season.

Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah were both pinched by Juventus, whilst highly-rated goalkeeper Samir Handanovic joined Inter. That trio were plucked from obscurity, at staggeringly low cost, yet earned the club well in excess of €25m.

It is not a new thing. Udinese's scouting network has tentacles across the world. It is both thorough and impressive. Their South American connections are especially strong - they found both Isla and Alexis Sanchez in Chile as teenagers - whilst the club itself has earned a reputation for providing one of the best shop windows in European football.

With the likes of Sanchez (Barcelona), Gokhan Inler (Napoli), Cristian Zapata (Villarreal), Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella (both Juventus) all having moved on in recent seasons, and players of the calibre Sulley Muntari, Asamoah Gyan, Aleksandar Lukovic and David Pizarro all having passed through, the turnover of talent at the club has been huge.

Francesco Guidolin, a nomadic coach with a lengthy list of former clubs, lost his first four league games following his arrival at the club from Parma in 2010, but has qualified the club for the Champions League in each of his two full campaigns in charge. They were fourth in 2010, and went one better last season, despite a significant overhaul of the playing staff in the interim.

Regrettably, they have since been unable to take that next step by sealing a place in the Champions League group stages. They were beaten by Arsenal in the play-off round last season, and this year fell to a penalty shootout defeat to Braga of Portugal at the same stage.

And so they find themselves with 'only' the consolation of the Europa League. They needed a last-minute strike from Antonio Di Natale, their captain and talisman, to secure a 1-1 draw with Anzhi Makhachkala, the emerging Russian force, in their opening game last month, but they have the talent to challenge in what is perhaps the strongest group in the competition.

Di Natale, a European Championship finalist with Italy in the summer, is the heartbeat of the side. At 34, his career is in its twilight, but his record in North East Italy is phenomenal. He was Serie A leading goalscorer in both 2010 and 2011, and has scored at least 28 goals in each of his last three campaigns. His overall record at Udinese is 162 goals in 312 games.

Beyond him, the supporting cast is solid, rather than spectacular. The Colombian full-back Pablo Armero and the Moroccan Mehdi Benatia are expected to be the next to move on from the club for a big profit, while Roberto Pereyra is an Argentine midfielder of immense promise.

They may not have the quality of recent incarnations but, as a business model, Udinese provide the blueprint for a lot of clubs. It will be interesting to see how the latest crop cope in the Anfield spotlight.

Alberto Aquilani was a given and, though his was a rather forgettable spell on Merseyside, most would remember Andrea Dossena (a player who, coincidentally, was signed from Udinese). But the other? It had plenty scrambling for their history books. Yet on Thursday, the chances are the player will be staring them straight in the face. He is likely to line up in goal for the Italians.

Daniele Padelli is a name that slunk quietly into a forgotten corner of Liverpool's past. Signed on loan from Sampdoria in January 2007, he would make just a single appearance for the Reds; a 2-2 draw with Charlton on the final day of the 2006-07 league season, just ten days before Rafa Benitez's side faced AC Milan in the Champions League final in Athens.

It was a debut to forget. Padelli was at fault for both Charlton goals, and returned to Italy soon after. He joined Udinese on a permanent basis this summer, and will be hoping to create a better Anfield memory this time around.

Liverpool Want Permanent Madrid Star Deal

Liverpool will look to make Nuri Sahin’s loan deal at Anfield permanent in the summer, according to Marca.

The Turkish international has immediately impressed on Merseyside, and has scored three times since securing his season-long loan from Madrid over the summer.

Sahin scored twice in the Capital One Cup as Liverpool secured their place in the fourth round with a 2-1 win over West Brom during the week, while he also found the net in Liverpool’s first league win of the season, a 5-2 defeat of Norwich on Saturday.

Liverpool are not believed to have an option to make Sahin’s loan deal permanent at the end of the season, but remain confident of landing their man, who is contracted at the Bernabeu until 2017.

The Reds, who paid a £5 million fee in order to pip Arsenal to the signature of Sahin, will have to negotiate with Madrid over a potential transfer, while the player himself is said to be keen to return to Spain at the end of the season and prove his worth to Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

Palace Admit They Can't Keep Zaha As Liverpool Circles

Crystal Palace manager Dougie Freedman has given Liverpool a boost in their pursuit of Wilfried Zaha by claiming he will let him go when the time is right.

Zaha is seen as Palace's next best prospect and is tipped to follow previous Eagles starlet Victor Moses into the Premier League, and he proved his credentials again on Tuesday night with both goals in Palace's 2-1 win over Wolves.

Scouts from many top-flight clubs have watched the 19-year-old in action for more than a year now and Newcastle wanted him back in the summer. Recently, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has spoken of his admiration for Zaha but that only served to anger chairman Steve Parish.

Nevertheless, manager Freedman admits there will come a time when Zaha will have to move on - with Liverpool already circling ahead of the transfer window re-opening.

"When he's ready and when I think he's ready to go to the right club, I will tap Wilfried on the shoulder and tell him I can’t help him any longer," Freedman said.

"It’s a little bit different with my kids, the relationship has been there a long time.

"Wilfried can play at the top level if he continues going with his movement, he’s got wonderful technique and ability. His all-round game is coming together."

Atletico Madrid Want Liverpool Star

Atletico Madrid have reportedly identified Liverpool star Luis Suarez as the player to replace Falcao, should the Colombian striker be sold to Chelsea.

Falcao has been in magnificent form since joining Atletico Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2011, and has already found the net on ten occasions this season, to add to his 36 goals last term.

The 26-year-old has frequently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge following the departure of Didier Drogba, with speculation increasing after Falcao scored a hat-trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup.

According to Spanish publication AS, Atletico Madrid are already making plans for the possibility of Falcao joining Chelsea, and Liverpool forward Suarez tops their list of replacements.

Suarez scored a hat-trick for Liverpool in the weekend defeat of Norwich, and has scored 27 times in 58 appearances for the Reds since moving to Anfield from Ajax in January of last year.

Liverpool, however, would be loath to sell the 25-year-old Uruguayan, even if Atletico Madrid approach the club with a substantial offer.

Agger To Play On Despite Injury

Daniel Agger has vowed to continue playing for Liverpool despite sustaining a minor fracture in his kneecap.

Agger has been plagued by injuries since joining Liverpool in 2006 and it was feared he faced another lengthy spell on the sidelines when he was stretchered off during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last month.

The 27-year-old was injured when he collided with team-mate Glen Johnson but fortunately the injury was not as bad as first feared and the defender has vowed to play through the pain barrier to help Liverpool’s push up the Premier League table.

“I feared the worst when it happened. When I tried to get up the muscle in my knee just didn’t work. I felt really unsteady and the medical staff thought I had done my ligaments,” Agger told the Liverpool Echo.

“I felt really comfortable and I’m enjoying it. I think I deserved a bit of luck after the problems I’ve had in the past.”

Liverpool recorded their first league win of the season against Norwich on Saturday and Agger believes the 5-2 scoreline is just what the Reds need to push them on for the rest of the season.

“We’ve played well like that in a number of games but the difference last Saturday was that we got the goals,” he said.

“We could have had even more because we created a lot of chances but five was enough. The win was good for confidence and we needed the three points.

“The only disappointment was the goals we conceded. That’s something we definitely have to work on. It’s always easier to win games if you keep a clean sheet. Even when we’re playing good attacking football we have to be able to keep the back closed.”

Enrique Playing Through Pain

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has revealed he has been playing through the pain barrier so far this season.

The Spaniard picked up a knee problem prior to his side's Premier League opener against West Brom and has since struggled through two months' action.

But after a recent injection, the full-back is hopeful of a swift return to full fitness and is determined to prove his worth to new boss Brendan Rodgers.

"I don't know quite what the problem is but I have been playing with a lot of pain," he told Liverpool's official website.

"I had an injection in my knee so hopefully that will settle it down and allow me to find my form again because it is difficult playing with pain.

"It is something behind my knee and I have had to be very careful with it. I've been trying to play with it but it is not 100 per cent.

"I felt it in training before the opening day of the season at West Brom and since then it has been very bad. Hopefully the injection will sort it out.

"Obviously with a new manager at the club you want to be at your best, but I want to play to help us climb up the table. I want to get back as soon as possible."

Wisdom Impresses Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is backing Andre Wisdom and his other promising youngsters to make a big impression.

Wisdom is the latest product of the Anfield academy system to make his mark in the senior set-up, with a debut goal in a UEFA Europa League clash with Young Boys Berne announcing his arrival in style.

The 19-year-old is now looking to earn a regular run in the side, with it possible that an unfortunate injury to Martin Kelly could play into his hands.

Rodgers believes the talented teenager is destined for big things and is confident he can shine at right-back despite spending much of his career to date turning out at centre-half.

"When I came Andre had been at centre-half but he has the physical and technical capacity to play full-back," he said.

"The modern day full-back has a lot of the ball and has to have strength, pace and power - well Andre has that."

Rodgers is also looking for a number of other academy graduates to make the breakthrough this season, with the likes of Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Suso having benefited from a lack of summer transfer activity on Merseyside.

Liverpool To Offer Young Trio New Contracts

Brendan Rodgers plans to reward his teenage stars Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom with lucrative new contracts.

Following the sale of a number of squad players during the summer transfer window, the former Swansea City manager has introduced the pick of the Liverpool's reserve and academy sides into the first team to admirable success.

17-year-old Sterling has made the biggest impact of the three, and Rodgers has already revealed that he has had discussions with the starlet regarding a new contract. The Mirror report that 18-year-old Suso and 19-year-old Wisdom will also reportedly enter talks with the club to ensure their long term future at Anfield.

After the club failed to bring in additional striking cover following Andy Carroll’s move to West Ham United and the departures of a number of players who enjoyed squad status under Kenny Dalglish’s reign, much had been made of the fate of Liverpool’s season. But after a rocky start, Rodgers is confident of the club’s progression.

“It’s funny how things work out. Maybe it’s fate. Maybe this is all part of the story. Sometimes things happen by design, others by necessity.

“Whichever way, the plan between the window closing and January was to see how many of the young, talented players are going to be able to come into our squad - and I’ve been very, very pleased by the impact they’ve made.

“They have played with no fear, but I always say young players will run through a barbed wire fence for you. You have seen that in games.

"It’s also a great demonstration that with talent and spirit and belief and hard work what you can achieve, not matter how young you are.”

Suso has followed Sterling into becoming an effective component of Liverpool’s attacking contingent. The youngster was close to leaving Anfield during the summer but Rodgers is now reaping the rewards of holding onto the talented attacking midfielder.

“He’s in the last year of his contract, and it’s something we will look at," the manager explained. "We did have a couple of offers for Suso in the summer, but I always said I didn’t want him to go.

Luis: We'll Help Young Stars

Luis Suarez has challenged Liverpool's aspiring youngsters to maintain their progress and pledged that the senior players will do everything they can to help make that happen.

The Uruguayan has been impressed by the performances of Raheem Sterling and Suso, among others, so far this season and wants his budding colleagues to prove their worth repeatedly.

"I'm a youngster too, I'm only twenty five!" Suarez joked to Liverpoolfc.com before giving his personal appraisal of how the young players have taken the opportunity handed to them by Brendan Rodgers.

"We've got a lot of quality youngsters here, such as Raheem, Suso showed what he could do the other day. [Adam] Morgan has to keep taking his chance to feature more and more, and [Jerome] Sinclair made his debut.

"They are all really good players and they are at Liverpool for a reason. The form that Raheem has been showing and Suso the other day, they are showing us that they want to help the team.

"And we so-called experienced players are always there to help them so let's hope that they continue to develop and don't just stand still but continue to prove exactly why they are at Liverpool."

At 25, Suarez is hardly old himself, but the Reds No.7 knows how to make an immediate impact at Anfield, having struck 27 times in 60 appearances, including a debut goal.

The forward explained that the first-team players in the dressing room will make themselves available to advise their younger teammates, although they have yet to approach him.

"Not really, maybe it's because I don't speak English or something," the former Ajax man explained.

"But I think it should be us who are offering advice to them, telling what they are doing well, and not so well, but I think they do realize that they have to learn things from the older players."

Match Report: Norwich 2 - 5 Liverpool

Luis Suarez scored his second hat-trick at Carrow Road in the space of five months as Liverpool crushed a sorry Norwich to record their first Barclays Premier League win under Brendan Rodgers.

Suarez scored a memorable treble on his last visit to Carrow in April and he took just 67 seconds to open his account in Norfolk this season, scoring from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.

He then capitalized on a terrible mistake by Michael Turner to make it 2-0 before laying on Nuri Sahin, who made it 3-0 just after the break.

The former PSV Eindhoven forward then took his tally for the season to six when he curled home from the edge of the box and Steven Gerrard scored Liverpool's fifth after Steve Morison had pulled one back for Norwich.

Substitute Grant Holt overpowered his marker to score another consolation for Norwich with three minutes to go, but there was no doubt who the bossed the game at the final whistle, as the home fans booed their team off following a poor display.

A lot had been made of Liverpool's poor start to the season under Rodgers before Saturday's game, but the Merseysiders were a class apart at Carrow Road.

Teenage trio Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom all performed brilliantly and Sahin proved the perfect foil to Suarez's penetrating runs through the Norwich defence.

They played with fluency, pace and brutal finishing that will give Rodgers hope that he can deliver success at Anfield during his first term in charge.

A Liverpool rout seemed on the cards from the start. With just over a minute on the clock, Glen Johnson's through-ball was cleared only as far as Suarez and he drove home from 18 yards.

Daniel Agger headed over a free-kick as Liverpool searched for a quick second, but Norwich then stormed forward through Simeon Jackson, who drew a top-drawer reaction save from Pepe Reina at his near post.

Sterling then knocked Suarez's pin-point ball across the box but Norwich cleared just before the unmarked Sahin could pull the trigger.

Suarez was at the centre of controversy in the 23rd minute when the Uruguayan raced through after a long ball over the top and broke in to the box.

Just as the forward was about to shoot Leon Barnett barged in to back of Uruguayan and brought an elbow down on his shoulder, but referee Mike Jones waved play on despite the please of the Reds players, who were infuriated at the decision.

Suarez was involved in the action again minutes later when he played Gerrard through with a wonderful 40-yard pass but John Ruddy palmed the skipper's header away from close range.

Jackson blazed over a good chance to put Norwich back in the game and Suarez made the hosts pay.

Barely 30 seconds after shooting wide while one on one with Ruddy, the Uruguayan pinched the ball off a lazy Turner, nutmegged the defender and slotted finished from 12 yards before goading the home supporters in his celebration.

After seeing his team booed off at half-time, Chris Hughton brought on Holt and the Canaries started playing much better.

Hughton's team should have pulled one back in the 46th minute when Jackson fired a cross the box with a volley but the ball cannoned off Robert Snodgrass' knee and flew over the bar from barely two yards.

Once again Norwich were made to pay for their miss as Suarez came in off the flank and unselfishly squared to Sahin, who made it 3-0. Some Norwich fans had seen enough and left even though the game was only 56 minutes old.

Andrew Surman blazed a terrible shot wide and almost predictably Liverpool went down the other end and scored.

Norwich foolishly stood off Suarez and he curled a brilliant finished wide of the outstretched Ruddy to complete his hat-trick.

The Canaries restored some pride soon after when Reina spilled Russell Martin's shot in to the path of Morison and he calmly swept home.

Liverpool underlined their dominance with little over 20 minutes left when Sterling took advantage of a slip by Javier Garrido to square for Gerrard, who scored thanks to a big deflection off Barnett that wrong-footed Ruddy.

Suarez almost bagged his fourth four minutes later when he latched on to Gerrard's pass down the left wing, but the forward could only find the side-netting.

The away fans sung the names of Suarez and Rodgers in the dying minutes, clearly delighted at their team's first win of the season.

The home fans, meanwhile, vented their frustration by booing their team off as their winless run under Hughton continued.

Rodgers Hails Luis Master Class

Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to a striking master class from Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan struck a hat-trick to help Liverpool to their first league win of the season against Norwich at Carrow Road.

Suarez repeated his heroics of last season's corresponding fixture by netting a treble before the hour-mark, becoming the first player in the Reds' history to net hat-tricks in the same away league fixture in successive campaigns.

Nuri Sahin and Steven Gerrard were also on target on a highly satisfactory afternoon for the visitors, but it will be Suarez who will undoubtedly grab Sunday's headlines.

"I remember his game last year and his goals were incredible," said Rodgers. "I've got to say, this was another master class in finishing.

"His first goal was terrific. We built it from behind and played through the lines. There was a nice combination on the edge of the box and he finished it well.

"His second one typifies him because 10 seconds earlier he missed probably his easiest chance [of the afternoon]. He doesn't get disappointed and immediately he gets back onto the ball and with an incredible piece of skill, he nutmegs the defender and finishes with the outside of his foot.

"It was a special day for him - and more importantly, a special day for the team.

"I thought the performance and how we got between the lines, and played and passed, and had relentless possession was pleasing."

The win is Liverpool's first in the Barclays Premier League during Rodgers' tenure - and the manager was keen to highlight the 'outstanding' efforts of his players at Carrow Road.

He said: "Obviously I'm very content. I'm not surprised because our performance level up to now has been very, very good - apart from one game against Arsenal, and when we went down to 10 men away at West Brom.

"I've got to say, the quality of our game and play was outstanding. I know Norwich is a wonderful club and over the past few years it's been a real difficult place to come.

"To arrive here and score five goals, and play like we did, was outstanding."

Meanwhile, journalists asked Rodgers for his thoughts on Liverpool's first-half penalty appeal which was waved away after Suarez appeared to be hauled down in the box by Norwich defender Leon Barnett.

"I thought it was a stonewall penalty," said the boss. "I feel for the guy, I've got to be honest. I think everyone in the ground knew it was a penalty.

"There is nothing we can do. I know how difficult the referee's job is. You'll never hear me criticizing referees and officials often. I want my players to respect them - and I look to respect the referees as well."

"I spoke to Mike Riley in the week and put across my concerns because it has been a trend over a number of games.

"Maybe one day we will get the decisions, but until that day we'll just continue to concentrate on our performances."