Luis Suarez backs "formidable" Mario Balotelli to shine

Former Liverpool hitman Luis Suarez is confident that misfiring striker Mario Balotelli will ultimately prove his class for the Reds.

Balotelli was handed the unenviable task of replacing the Uruguayan - who netted 31 times last season before joining Barcelona - at Anfield and has struggled to scale the heights expected of him.

The Italy forward has scored just four times in all competitions following his £16m summer transfer from AC Milan, prompting speculation of a move away, with Sampdoria reportedly keen.

However, although Suarez admits that the re-adaption to the Premier League has been difficult for the ex-Manchester City man, he says that Balotelli remains a "great player".

"I think Mario has played for big clubs, proving himself to be a formidable player," the 28-year-old told Mundo Deportivo.

"It is not easy to place himself at Manchester City and return to England. It has not been easy for him but he is still a great player."

Only one of Balotelli's four goals has come in the Premier League.