The Uruguay international scored twice against Sunderland in his first Premier League appearance since being handed a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic last term

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has hailed the return of “world-class” frontman Luis Suarez and believes the forward will be crucial to the club’s successes this season.

The Uruguay international featured in his first league match since April on Sunday, after serving a 10-match suspension for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.

The 26-year-old marked his return in style, scoring twice against Sunderland in a 3-1 win, and Lucas believes his team-mate will be vital to the Anfield outfit’s push for silverware.

“He is showing again just how good he is,” the Brazilian midfielder told the club’s official website.

“He is a world-class player and it is so important to have players like that if you want to fight for good things this season.

“Hopefully he will have another fantastic season for us like he did last year.”

The former Ajax forward had been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool in the transfer window, with Premier League rivals Arsenal having two bids rejected, but Lucas feel Suarez’s display at Sunderland confirmed his loyalty to Liverpool.

“Luis showed with his performance that he is really committed to the team and to the club,” he added. “He just wants to help us, and we will try to help him too.”

Daniel Sturridge took his tally in the Premier League this season to five goals, also creating both of Suarez’s strikes, and Lucas is excited by the blossoming partnership between the England international and the Uruguayan.

“When Dan [Sturridge] arrived here, within a few months Luis got the ban so they didn’t have much chance to play many games together,” Lucas added.

“But you could see how well they linked up. The understanding between them is really good and it will only get better. It will improve over the course of the season and hopefully they will keep helping us with goals and assists.”