'He is one of the best centre-forwards in the world!' - Liverpool legend Luis Suarez offers glowing endorsement of Darwin Nunez after chaotic season at Anfield

The Uruguayan hitman struggled for consistency with Liverpool in the 2023-24 campaign as he found the net just 18 times in 54 appearances across all competitions. Now, Nunez has joined his Uruguayan teammates ahead of their first match in Copa America in a bid to rediscover his form and guide his nation to continental glory.

Despite the criticism aimed at Nunez for his goal-scoring record, Suarez staunchly defended the young striker. "Today he is one of the best centre-forwards in the world," Suarez told reporters emphatically. "I love how he plays and I love watching him. Since Darwin was in Penarol I had been talking to him, through someone else. There was a game in which he scored three goals that caught my attention.

“At that time it was said that he missed a lot of goals, but he also generated a lot. They criticised me for the same reason, but the important thing is that he always tried to overcome it, he never gave up. I always saw special conditions in him. The forward has to be like that, the ambition, the desire to improve, the desire to get ahead of him."

The bond between Suarez and Nunez is characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence.

"Darwin always came, approached me, trying to chat and ask me things to improve. He is a divine kid. For him to tell me that I am his idol is something spectacular," Suarez remarked.

“Since he arrived at the National Team he told me that as long as I was there, the ‘nine’ was going to be mine. That is something that one values a lot because it is a very nice gesture.”

Upon Suarez's return, Nunez demonstrated a profound respect for his idol by relinquishing the coveted number nine shirt to him. This gesture shows the respect and camaraderie between the two players which should mark a seamless blend of experience and youthful exuberance on the pitch.

At 37, Suarez has been recalled following an impressive season with Inter Miami, where he showcased his enduring quality and leadership. Along with Nunez, the former Liverpool and Barcelona striker, will hope to fire Uruguay to their record-extending 16th Copa America title. They will begin their campaign against Panama on Sunday evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.