After mounting an impressive push for the Premier League title last term, things looked like they were unravelling in the wake of the Uruguayan's Anfield exit after a poor first-half to this season.
Suarez's move to La Liga was compounded by the injury to the now-main striker Daniel Sturridge, and what proved a difficult transition for many summer recruits.
Since December, though, the Reds have improved significantly and on Sunday moved within two points of the Premier League's top four after managing a 2-0 win at Southampton.
"At the start of the year we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that," Allen said.
"It took us a little bit of time to overcome that because the injury problems we had were not ideal.
GETTY
Joe Allen believes Liverpool have adapted to life without Luis Suarez
We might even have taken a step forward
Joe Allen
"We are certainly back up to that level and if anything with the different system we play this season we might even have taken a step forward.
"Sometimes (criticism) gets taken out of hand but I don't think it was unfair.
"There was no hiding places and we were not delivering as players.
"There was no excuse from us. We knew there might be a difficult patch early in the season and that probably went on longer than we hoped and expected.
"At the same time we always knew we would come through it and I think that was the biggest sign we would be where we are at this stage."
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
