There’s a very strong argument that Luis Suarez is the best striker of his generation. Above Robert Lewandowski, above Karim Benzema and above the rest of the chasing pack. From his Liverpool days, which very nearly featured the club’s first Premier League title at the time, to forming MSN next to Neymar and Lionel Messi, the South American never dipped below world-class throughout a long prime.
Even now at Inter Miami, Suarez is still showing his quality as he approaches his 40s. He’s simply one of those players who, no matter their natural physical decline, were always likely to fall back on an unbelievable technical ability.
What validates Suarez’s place as one of the best of his generation the most, however, is the praise of so many legends that came before him. Among those to be left in awe of his ability, former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard said it best: “Luis seems to be cleaning up at the moment.
“He’s won everything and we are lucky to have such a world-class talent like Luis playing here with us and helping us to great things and be successful.
“He is out there by a big distance as the best player I have played with and that is no disrespect to anyone else – there has been some top talent for club and country – but this fella can do the lot.
“He is different to most footballers. There is some disappointment looming around but if this fella stays around for a few more years I think there will be some really big nights.”
Gerrard’s praise would have been music to Suarez’s ears at the time and even after he joined Barcelona, the South American didn’t forget the impact that Liverpool had on his career.
Suarez: Rodgers educated me before Barcelona move
Reflecting on his time at Anfield after grabbing further headlines in Spain, Suarez wasted no time before handing plenty of credit to Brendan Rodgers for the impact that he had on his career.
“He is one of the best coaches in Europe and I am not surprised he is looking to get back in to the game because it is a game he loves. I am glad he has taken his time since leaving Liverpool.
“He should only be looking at the top jobs, with the top clubs, who will be playing Champions League football. Such a big part of my education is down to him and his management.
“Of course he works to make the team stronger but he really works on a one-to-one level with the players. He will sit down with each player at the club, and work on where you can improve, where you can exploit opposition, he leaves nothing to chance.” (Suarez on Rodgers)
Rodgers and Suarez very nearly achieved what many thought was the unthinkable at Liverpool in 2014 before the Reds slipped to defeat in the Premier League title race. Alas, even in the face of defeat, it’s clear that both the manager and the forward got the best out of each other.
