England national team boss Roy Hodgson believes that Uruguay striker Luis Suarez must prove himself at the World Cup if he wants to be named among some of the greatest footballers in history.
The 27-year-old, who scored 31 goals in his 33 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last term, was absent in his country’s shocking 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica on Saturday due to a knee injury, but is expected to take the pitch in the Celeste’s meeting with the Three Lions on Thursday.
Hodgson spoke to BBC Sport about Suarez’s potential and admitted that the striker will have to show his talent in Brazil if he wants to be one of the best.
“You can be a great player in your league, but to be recognised as one of the all-time greats you have got to do it at the World Cup,” said the 66-year-old, whose England side also fell 2-1 to Italy on Saturday.
“He has got the potential. He is a wonderful footballer.
“If you are really going to put him up there with [Diego] Maradona, Pele, [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Johan] Cruyff and [Andrea] Pirlo, this is the stage you have got to do it on.”
England and Uruguay will both be looking to win their match on Thursday, as another loss for either of the sides could see them exit the World Cup early.
