Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez must stay at Liverpool for the long term to be considered a great, Robbie Fowler argues. Reuters

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has claimed that Luis Suarez needs to prove that his controversial summer was merely a blip in his career if the striker is to become a great at Merseyside.

Suarez publicly pushed for a move away from the Reds during the most recent transfer window, but Brendan Rodgers held firm and has been rewarded in his efforts to keep the Uruguayan, with Suarez enjoying his best season at the club.

With 17 goals in the league so far this season Suarez is already favourite to take the Premier League golden boot but Fowler says he'll only be convinced that the hitman is one of Liverpool's best if he stays at the club for the long term.

"There have been many greats," he said, according to the Mirror. "Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Aldridge, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.

"Suarez certainly takes the crowd's breath away and certainly ranks with the top forwards who have played for the club.

"But with me and all these players, we were at the club for quite a few years and we had to prove ourselves consistently over a period of time. If he is to be judged as the best ever he will have to be at the club quite a bit longer.

"If he goes on at the rate he's going - and he is undoubtedly in magnificent form - perhaps for another five years at the club then he will be able to call himself the best ever striker at the club."

Suarez has recommitted to Liverpool since the summer came to an end and reportedly apologised to Rodgers for his conduct in which he said he was told he could leave the club if they didn't make the Champions League.

But the star's future could depend on whether the Reds qualify for the top-tier European competition in their current campaign with multiple clubs likely to be knocking on his door if his season continues like it has been.