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.