Suso: I feel like I'm dreaming
Suso today explained why he believes he's currently enjoying the best year of his life – but insists he's not about to rest on his laurels.
2012-13 has been a landmark campaign for the 19-year-old, who has broken into Liverpool's first team, signed a new long-term contract with the club and won international recognition with Spain U21s.
Suso admits it's been something of a whirlwind season for him - but he knows he still has work to do.
"I feel like I am dreaming right now," he told the Liverpool Echo. "I couldn't have believed this would all happen in such a short period.
"Things have happened really quick for me. From being with the reserves, to playing for the first team in the Europa League and then playing in the Premier League.
"I am playing for the first team every game now and lining up with massive players every week - it's been brilliant.
"To get called up by Spain U21s was also special but the most important thing for me that has happened was signing the new contract.
"I always wanted to stay here and play for this club for a long time. Signing the contract was a great moment for me.
"This has been the best year ever for me so far. I hope it keeps going like this."
Suso is one of a number of youngsters who have been handed a chance to flourish in the senior set up by Brendan Rodgers, with Andre Wisdom and Raheem Sterling also featuring regularly.
So far, he has made 11 first-team appearances and admits he owes a debt of gratitude to the manager for showing faith in his ability.
"I was 16 when I first signed for Liverpool and I knew I had to improve," said Suso.
"I was working really hard when I was with the reserves and I knew that if I kept going then a chance would come. Finally, it came for me and I had to be ready.
"It's easy for managers to put youngsters in just the League Cup or the Europa League. But what Brendan has done here is just unbelievable.
"It's incredible that three players so young are playing regularly in the Premier League side.
"Andre, Raheem and myself all get on well. We are a similar age and we are always talking, trying to help each other.
"All three of us have a lot to thank Brendan for. He has given us a chance and then we have shown him that we can play - that we can perform at this level.
"The manager's style of play suits me and that has made it easier for me. It's similar to the Spanish way of playing - short passes and always trying to keep the ball. We always try to play, even from the keeper."
Suso has mainly been deployed in a wide role by Rodgers, though he started Saturday's 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic in a more central position.
However, the No.30 was withdrawn from the action midway through the first half as the manager looked to make a tactical shift.
"I thought I was playing well and at half-time Brendan said taking me off was nothing to do with how I was playing," said Suso.
"He just felt he needed to change the system. I was happy we won the game - that was the most important thing.
"I have always been best playing in the middle in that No.10 role. But I can also do it playing out on the wing, coming inside.
"Both positions are really good for me. I am not bothered where I play, I just want to play."
Suso could be involved tonight as Liverpool look to secure qualification for the Europa League knockout stage against Young Boys at Anfield.
The forward actually made his senior debut for the Reds in a 5-3 win over the Swiss side earlier in the tournament - and he's hoping to make his mark once again, if selected.
"When you walk out to play at Anfield and hear the fans sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' it's one of the best feelings," added Suso.
"I feel very lucky to play matches there and I don't really get nervous. All I want to do is play football. I trust myself and I've got belief in my own ability. I have happy memories of the first game against Young Boys as it was my debut. We won 5-3 and if we can beat them again then we should be through."