Football
Jason Davis, U.S. soccer writer 8y

Luis Suarez, FW, Barcelona & Uruguay: #CopaRank: No. 2

Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.

Why is Luis Suarez in the top 25?

It's a wonder that despite all of the controversy he creates for himself, Suarez is universally regarded as a striker worth celebrating. Perhaps somewhere a mathematician could work out a formula that explains the rate at which dislike for Suarez abates with every magnificent goal he scores or incredible pass he makes to one of his otherworldly Barcelona teammates. The Uruguayan striker is a study in the ways that effort is complementary to talent for the world's best players. That's not to say that Suarez isn't talented, just that his refusal to slow down for even a moment and his famously competitive nature put him in a class he might not otherwise merit.

What the experts say about Suarez

"It is difficult to compare him to all the ones [goal-scorers] I have played alongside. There have been so many. What I can say is that he is the best out-and-out forward there is in the game today. He has so much to offer the team and it is a pleasure to play alongside him." -- Lionel Messi

"That is the sort of player he is. Of course he is a great player, but he gives everything for the team. [His run for a goal] is the one we will remember, but he probably did 10 or 15 runs like this in the game where he didn't get the ball. It's part of the job of a striker, and he is a great striker. You have to expect when you give him a chance, he will hit the target." -- Manchester City defender Gael Clichy

Career highlight:

After moving through the European ranks from Ajax to Liverpool to Barcelona, Suarez finds himself as part of one of the greatest attacking trios in world football history at Barcelona. His 40 goals in 35 appearances this season led all goal-scorers in Europe and launched him into the discussion for world's best player.

Stat of the season:

As if Suarez's 40 goals weren't impressive enough, he tied with Messi for the team lead with 16 assists.

What's next for Suarez after the Copa America Centenario?

There's no reason to think that Suarez will be anywhere but the Camp Nou come the start of the next European season, again combining with Messi and Neymar in a bid to secure multiple trophies. But don't be surprised to see a rumor or two of a massive bid from a few desperate quarters.


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