England manager Roy Hodgson: Luis Suarez is not yet world class

Luis Suarez: Is he world class ?

England manager Roy Hodgson has termed Uruguay talisman Luis Suarez “not world class yet“, challenging the mercurial striker to perform at the biggest stage.

Liverpool striker Suarez who missed Uruguay’s surprising 3-1 loss to Costa Rica has a lot to prove to be considered one of the greats of the game said the former Liverpool boss.

Hodgson further added “I think he will only be at that stellar level when he shows it on this particular stage,”

“If you are saying do I think he has got the potential, is he a wonderful footballer, yes he sure is. But if you are really going to put him up there with Maradona, Pele, Beckenbauer and Cruyff he has to shine in a World Cup.”

“Being a great player in your league will get you lots of plaudits but for the world to recognise you are one of the all-time greats you have got to do it as the World Cup.”

Suarez scored an impressive 31 goals in Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge and won the PFA Player of the Year award at the end of last season. But he had to undergo a key-hole surgery, forcing him to miss Uruguay’s opening match.

It remains to be seen whether Luis Saurez would play in the crucial Group D game against England on Thursday.