James Collins explains Luis Suarez gameplan

By Liam Power, Reporter | 09 April 2013

West Ham United defender James Collins shares the pre-match plan behind his effective performance against Liverpool forward Luis Suarez last weekend.

West Ham United defender James Collins has revealed the pre-match plan devised to mark Liverpool forward Luis Suarez that worked to great effect last weekend.

Collins managed to produce a dogged defensive display to keep Suarez subdued at Anfield, helping West Ham hold firm to claim a point in their Premier League clash.

The Wales international has shared that a concerted effort to mark the Uruguayan forward high up the pitch and foul far from goal if necessary paid dividend.

He told The Sun: "I thought about how I was going to defend against him before the game.

"Suarez nutmegged me twice to be fair but I knew if you drop off, he is turning and running at you. I thought if I could get as tight as possible and tackle him as high up the pitch as possible, even if I fouled him there it was better than him running into the box.

"I was wary of the fact he goes over as well. That is why you have to stay on your feet. To win the ball, you just have to go for it sometimes. It was one of those games where it came off for me."

Sam Allardyce's side are 12th in the Premier League table, six points clear of the relegation zone.