Luis Suarez is Liverpool's Lionel Messi, says Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers described Luis Suarez as his side's equivalent of Lionel Messi after the striker's display against Newcastle.

Suarez scored a delightful equaliser against the Magpies and was a constant threat during the 1-1 draw at Anfield.

"He plays the false nine role like Messi does for Barcelona where he moves freely and others have to get in behind him to penetrate," Rodgers told Sky.

"Suarez's goal was brilliant. He is a world-class striker.

Suarez was his side's main threat as he played in the hole between Newcastle's defence and midfield, with his movement and penetrating forward runs causing the visitors plenty of trouble.

Magpies centre-back Fabricio Coloccini was given a torrid time by the Reds striker and was red-carded for an 84th-minute challenge on Suarez, who has scored seven goals in his last nine league matches.

Rodgers told BBC Sport: "Seeing it again I think it was a [red card]. The intent, it was a naughty challenge.

"I don't think there was a great deal of contact there, if I am being honest, but the ball had gone.

"Once you see the replays, he deserves to go for that. People talk about diving but I have seen a lot worse going on in the game this season going unpunished.

"It was probably frustration from Fabricio Coloccini because Luis Suarez was unplayable. I thought he was outstanding."

Liverpool had gone behind to a Yohan Cabaye strike against the run of play before Suarez levelled for the Reds after the break.

"We are disappointed we couldn't get the win because it was the very least we deserved," added Rodgers.

"We had enough chances in the game to have won it but I have no complaints.

"Once we get a number of other players that can fit the profile and the model of our game, when we dominate games like that and finish the chances it will be great for us."/bbc.co.uk