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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Liverpool icon Luis Suarez has dream debut for new club as Lucas Leiva hails striker

Liverpool icon Luis Suarez had a debut to remember as he scored a 38-minute hat-trick in Gremio's 4-1 win over Sao Luiz in the Recopa Gaucha.

It was another impressive treble from the 35-year-old to add to his eye-catching collection firing the Brazilian side into a commanding first-half lead.

Sao Luiz felt a feeling that the likes of Norwich City, Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur knew all too well as the former Barcelona man was in fine form on Tuesday night.

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It was the first outing for the Uruguayan after he cut his comeback short from Nacional before penning a two-year deal in Brazil - joining former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva in Porto Alegre.

Suarez made his goalscoring debut at Anfield as he slotted home the all-important second-goal against Stoke City, 14 minutes after his introduction.

And it took him just five minutes to open his account in the Recopa Gaucha as he flicked it over the on-rushing goalkeeper with the outside of his foot.

He had to wait 16 minutes for his next goal where he raced through on goal before wrong-footing the Sao Luiz shot-stopper. Seven minutes later, he claimed the match ball.

A cross looped into his path and he emphatically volleyed home his third and Gremio's fourth.

"I think so [biggest debut], the last time I scored in my debut was with Atletico [Madrid]," he told SportTV following the match.

His manager, Renato, was full of praise. He said: "It couldn't have been better his debut. The fans believe in him, so are we.

"He showed what he came for. He quickly made it into the group because he's a very humble person. He doesn't want the highlights or perks, he just want to be like everyone else."

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