Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has backed striker Luis Suarez to win this season's Player of the Year award.

Suarez scored a hat-trick during the Reds' 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic today, making him the Premier League's top scorer with 21 goals.

Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale and Manchester United's Robin van Persie are also thought to be in the running for the award, but Rodgers believes that Suarez is the clear choice.

"For me there is not [a better striker in the Premier League]. He is clearly the Player of the Year for myself, and I'm sure he is for many other people around the country," said Rodgers.

"He is absolutely incredible. Forget his quality - you talk about his hunger and desire. He trains every single day of his life. He never wants to opt out of training and have an easy day or a rest.

"And then every time he comes out onto the pitch he gives stunning performances and gives his maximum. A brilliant hat-trick for him and a great day for the team, because this is a difficult place to come. To play like that and get the goals and the clean sheet was terrific for us."

Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany is the reigning Player of the Year.