”Haaland Is One Of The Best No.9 In The World And Will Define An Era” Luiz Suarez Says

If anyone knows what it takes to be an elite No.9, it’s Luis Suarez, and after he scored his 500th career goal against Alaves on Sunday, he paid tribute to a young prodigy named Erling Haaland.

The Uruguayan international has stood out for Atletico Madrid this season, defying the critics from his time at Barcelona.

“He [Haaland] is a great player, he’s at a spectacular level, he has an admirable physical strength,” Suarez told Gerard Romero on Twitch.

“He’s one of the best No.9s in the world and will define an era. I’m a bit more in favour of Haaland, but Mbappe is at a great level.”

The striker also addressed his own form, including this landmark 500th goal at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

READ ALSO; Man Utd Star Fred Calls For ‘No More Racism’ After Suffering Online Abuse

“I think I was lucky to change team in the same league, the same referees, knowing my teammates, I didn’t change much,” Suarez analysed.

“I’m happy to be helping the team to be up there.”

He also spoke about some of his teammates specifically, including Marcos Llorente and Jan Oblak.

“[Llorente] is a player in great form, he helps the team a lot and it’s been recognised with the national team, he’s making a different and the group knows it,” Suarez said.

“There’s a reason Oblak is at a world class level, after so long without saving a penalty, he was lucky yesterday and he helped the team which will give him confidence.”

Suarez also admitted his fondness for his former club, Barcelona, and revealed he is still in touch with Lionel Messi.

“I watch them because I like to watch football, I admire the club I defended and I’m grateful,” Suarez explained.

“I talk to Leo [Messi] almost daily, but sometimes about the odd game. Everyone knows the love I have for them for what I did there, also for what they have given me.”

The former Liverpool striker has scored 19 goals in 25 games in LaLiga Santander for Diego Simeone’s side since joining from Camp Nou in the summer.