The Spaniard has been compared to the troubled Uruguayan in terms of his talent and temperament, but insists he will be his own man at Anfield

Liverpool new-boy Iago Aspas insists he has not been signed to replace Luis Suarez.

The 25-year-old Spaniard’s €8 million move to Anfield was confirmed this week, just as the controversial Uruguayan prepares for the Confederations Cup with his club future under a cloud.

But Aspas, a skilful attacker with a fiery temper – highlighted in the four-match ban he received for headbutting Carlos Marchena last season – has rejected any form of comparison with Suarez.

“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am going there to take an important step in my career, not to be a replacement for anyone,” he told the Daily Mirror.

“I think it is time for me to take the next step in my career and Liverpool can help me do that. I have confidence in my ability to move forward and to grow as a player.

“I described the move as emotional for me because it is such a big club and it means I’ve reached another level. But I am calm because I feel I am ready.

“I want to show that I am capable of playing at the level of this huge club.”

Aspas also revealed he fully expects to be partnering Suarez up front for Liverpool next season, rather than watching him turn out for Real Madrid.

“I am excited to be going to England – I want to play in the Premier League,” he added.

“And I hope I will be helped to settle there by all the Spanish speakers at the club… including Luis Suarez.”

The 26-year-old has claimed it would be a ‘dream’ to move to the Spanish club but insists he is only concentrating on his summer campaign with Uruguay

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez insists he is solely focused on representing Uruguay at the Confederations Cup amid doubts over his future at Anfield.

The 26-year-old has publicly stated his desire to leave the Premier League this summer and has claimed that it would be a ‘dream’ to join Real Madrid.

Suarez will be in action on Sunday as Uruguay kick off their Confederations Cup campaign against Spain and the striker maintains he is not thinking about his future at Liverpool.

“I love to play for Uruguay. Now, I don’t want to think about anything else,” Suarez told reporters.

“I want to do my best here. The Confederations Cup is a very difficult tournament. Today, my biggest goal is to win this competition.

“Uruguay has an enormous prestige and the Confederations Cup is the only title we don’t have.”

Uruguay’s first match of the Confederations Cup sees them take on Spain on Sunday, and Madrid will be watching closely as they decide who to replace Gonzalo Higuain with

COMMENT
By Daniel EdwardsWhen it comes to international football, few teams can boast as proud or impressive history as Uruguay. The Celeste, original winners of the World Cup back in 1930, are by far the smallest nation to have achieved such a feat, and their record in other competitions is nothing to sneer at either.

With Olympic Games and Copa America victories also to their name, only the Confederations Cup remains for the South American nation to complete a clean sweep of major international trophies; a feat only achieved previously by France and Argentina.

If Oscar Tabarez’s men wish to cause a surprise in Brazil, their hopes will lie heavily on striking duo Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. The pair may also have other, slightly more selfish reasons to make a splash in the upcoming competition.

With Gonzalo Higuain expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, part of an expected exodus from the Santiago Bernabeu as Jose Mourinho’s faltering side is dismantled, attention is already turning to who will replace the Argentine goalscorer. Many names have been mentioned, and others (like Monaco recruit Radamel Falcao) have already fallen by the wayside. Uruguay’s deadly duo, meanwhile, remain well in the spotlight.

Of the two, Suarez has been the most vocal about his desire to pull on the famous white shirt. While his form has stayed impressive during three seasons with Liverpool, several serious disputes and controversies which have led to constant abuse and criticism from fans and observers outside Anfield have taken their toll on the former Ajax man. Speaking to RR Gol earlier in the week, the 26-year-old made it plain that he would be open to a move to the Spanish capital.

“Real Madrid is a huge club that every player dreams about, Real Madrid is Real Madrid, it is the biggest thing that can happen to a player and it is always attractive,” Suarez enthused in Monday’s interview, before clarifying that no talks currently existed and that he was still under contract with Liverpool. As a statement of intentions, however, these words of praise appear to represent a fairly blatant ‘come and get me’ plea to whoever takes over the Bernabeu hotseat this summer.

Cavani, meanwhile, has cut a rather more reserved figure; opting instead to let his outrageous scoring exploits for Napoli do the talking for him.

A perfectly-placed low shot for Uruguay on Tuesday evening, the only goal of an away win over Venezuela that could prove crucial for Brazil 2014 qualification, was classic Edinson as he cut in sharply from the right, leaving his marker stranded in the process. But that was just one for the 2012-13 collection. This season the striker was more ruthless than ever as he secured the Partenopei second place in Serie A with 29 goals in 34 appearances, hitting a total of 38 in all competitions.

Those kind of numbers are bound to attract the likes of Madrid, although Cavani is also reportedly sought after in England by Chelsea and Manchester City.

Speaking to Marca on Sunday, the Uruguayan dodged a question on the Merengue by praising La Liga, but most telling, however, was the admission that he is currently talking to other clubs.

Fittingly enough, Uruguay’s first and most daunting test in the Confederations Cup first round doubles up as the perfect audition for Cavani and Suarez.

The Celeste will face none other than Spain, home of Madrid stars Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol. If either or both of the pair can demonstrate why they are considered amongst the best strikers in the world against a defence that could contain up to three or four Madrid men, they will go a long way towards convincing Florentino Perez that one is the right man to replace Higuain.

We have, then, a classic quandary that international football loves to throw at players. In order to make a case for Madrid to open their chequebook and grant a dream move, Cavani and Suarez must aim to run rings around their defenders on Sunday afternoon. It is a challenge both of the Celeste hitmen will be relishing.

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