Record-Breaking Luis Suarez Is in a League of His Own for Liverpool

For long periods it was far from convincing, but in the end it was a rout for Liverpool once again as they made it an incredible 12 goals in three consecutive away games.

Luis Suarez's third hat-trick of the season, Martin Skrtel's second double of the season and Daniel Sturridge ensured a 6-3 victory at Cardiff for Brendan Rodgers' side.

The free-scoring Reds have now hit 82 goals this campaign, more than in any previous Premier League season—and with eight games remaining.

Sitting second, four points behind leaders Chelsea, with a game in hand and the Londoners still to visit Anfield, Liverpool supporters are daring to dream.

Suarez

With Liverpool so often wonderful in attack but woeful at the back this season, the goals of Suarez and Sturridge have been the major reason for the incredible, and largely unexpected, form of Rodgers' side.

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

This three-goal haul for Suarez puts him on 28 league goals for the season, despite missing the opening five Premier League games. Yes, that means he has 28 goals in 25 league games.

The Premier League record for goals in a 38-game season is held jointly by Alan Shearer (1995-96) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2007-08) with 31 goals. Therefore, Suarez needs just three more goals to equal that record. He has eight games to do it. Worth noting, too, that none of Suarez's goals have arrived from the penalty spot, whereas both of those current holders' did.

Whether he catches that record or not, the Uruguayan is nailed on to win the golden boot award and should be named player of the season. He also notched another assist on Saturday, making it 11 for the season and the leading player in that area too.

As the Premier League leader in both goals and assists, Suarez is arguably the best player in the world right now.

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Hat trick!!!! Another Suarez hat trick!! #LFC

— Linda Pizzuti (@Linda_Pizzuti) March 22, 2014"

Cardiff's combative Chilean midfielder Gary Medel did his best to unsettle his fellow South American, but all it did was further provide Suarez with the desire to hurt Cardiff just the way he has done so many teams this season.

Suarez was at his very best—hard working, determined, clever.

His hat-trick and assist arrived despite a couple of slips when presented with good opportunities and despite referee Neil Swarbick giving no decisions his way—especially when clearly tripped by Cardiff captain Steven Caulker.

Combination

Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

The assist for Sturridge's goal was perfectly weighted across the face of the goal so that the England forward, who grabbed his 19th Premier League goal, didn't need to break his stride.

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The partnership between Sturridge and Suarez is now the 4th most prolific in Premier League history, producing 46 goals.

— LFC USA (@LFCUSA) March 22, 2014"

Back in September, as Suarez and Sturridge showed the early signs of their strike partnership's potential, it was predicted that the two of them could fire Liverpool back into the Champions League—my first article here on Bleacher Report.

That looks almost certain, and now the question is being asked whether they can actually do what even the most optimistic of supporters couldn't have dreamt.

"We're gonna win the league," sang the travelling Reds, and with Suarez and Sturridge in this form, it's hard not to think it's possible.