Luis Suarez is the world’s best striker right now, and few would argue that on this season’s form – he’s actually the best footballer on the planet – above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Uruguayan has plundered a barbaric 56 goals this season and is the top scorer in European football. Since his move from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2014, he’s won two La Liga titles, the Champions League and could add to his Copa Del Rey from last season with another this weekend.
A few more seasons of this ilk and Suarez will go down as an all-time great; he’s been that good – and today – the 29-year-old has spoken about his admiration for our sacked former manager Brendan Rodgers.
Rodgers lost the Liverpool job last October, and is finally set to return to football management at Celtic’s helm.
“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,” Suarez said, reported in the Echo.
“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.
“If it was not for Brendan, then I know I would not be the same player that you see at Barcelona today.
“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.
“He is a very intelligent man. If the players at his next club listen to his words, they will become better players for sure.”
Rodgers will no doubt love this compliment, but he deserves it. Suarez was a top performer under Kenny Dalglish, but under Rodgrs he developed into a world-class one and the best player in the Premier League.
Taking the Celtic job gives Rodgers a chance of easy silverware, and a run in the Champions League, too. It’ll be his performance in Europe that defines his success.