The Uruguay international is serving the last of his 10-game ban, but the Anfield boss has been delighted with his team’s displays in his absence

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League start in the absence of Luis Suarez proves they are not a one-man team.

The Uruguay international completes his 10-game ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic when the Reds host Southampton at Anfield on Saturday.

While Rodgers is thrilled that Suarez is set for a return, he has been delighted with his side’s performances without him, with the Reds dispelling the myth they are too reliant on the 26-year-old by topping the table.

“Luis is a top player but we have continued to work well and get the results,” Rodgers told reporters.

“Make no mistake, it’s going to be great to have a player of that quality back. But I think we’ve shown we’re more than a one-man team, if people said that.

“Don’t get me wrong, it is teams that win titles and trophies, but within that team you need top players.”

Daniel Sturridge has played a starring role in Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the new campaign, though Rodgers was keen to stress the importance of the rest of the team.

“Our focus is about the unit and the whole team,” the Liverpool manager said.

“[Sturridge] has come in and done brilliant but Daniel will be the first to tell you as well that without the support of his team-mates, he wouldn’t have been the success that he’s been so far.

“So I think we have probably shown, and hopefully put to bed, this idea that we’re a one-man team because we’re certainly not.”