“The best center forward in Europe” strikes again

After yet another sublime display in a 3-1 win that sends Atletico Madrid seven points clear at the top of LaLiga with a game in hand, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo described Luis Suarez as, “the best centre forward in Europe”.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Atletico on Sunday evening though, as Valencia, who are at one of their lowest ebbs but still able to pick up points against the big boys struck early in stunning fashion.

After already securing a 4-1 win over Real Madrid and a 2-2 draw against Barcelona this season, Valencia looked on course for another upset with 10 minutes played when Uroš Račić swept home an outrageous curling opener to stun the league leaders.

But after Joao Felix’s first-half equaliser, Suarez was there once again to put his side ahead, with a world class finish from a tight angle, using the spin of the ball to beautifully bend it round Jaume Doménech for a 2-1 lead and his league-leading 12th goal of the season since joining from Barcelona.

Angel Correa’s insurance goal secured the three points, but the story was once again all about Suarez, who was deemed surplus to requirements by Barcelona in the summer, now sits 10 points above his old side with a game in hand.

Post-match Atleti president Cerezo said “We have always thought that Luis Suárez was the best center forward in Europe, we are lucky that he is with us, and everyone is very happy.”

Suarez’s good friend Lionel Messi harshly criticised the club for cutting ties with the Uruguayan striker last summer, he’s been proved comprehensively right, with Suarez, who turned 34 at the weekend, showing no signs of slowing down.