Luis Suarez has paid Uruguay team-mate Fede Valverde the ultimate compliment in comparing him to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
Suarez believes the young Real Madrid star shares several 'characteristics' with Gerrard - widely considered one of the greatest all-round midfielder of his generation.
Valverde has been a crucial part of Real's recent success, and has filled the void left by Casemiro this season effortlessly, scoring a sublime solo effort against Mallorca earlier in September.
In an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Suarez said: 'There are newspaper archives, back in 2017, when Fede made his debut in the national team, I already said that he reminded me of Steven Gerrard, who was a teammate of mine at Liverpool.
'He has similar characteristics: a box to box, with a good shot, change of pace, a lot of runs [into the box].
'I don't want to compare, but the characteristics are similar. I saw Fede coming and he has made great progress, surrounded by great stars. It did him a lot of good.'
The 24-year-old has also shown a Gerrard-esque versatility at times during his already glittering career in the Spanish capital.
Though a defensive midfielder by trade, the Uruguayan has been deployed as a right back and a right winger, doing so several times this season.
The addition of goals has also contributed to the development of a player who is fast becoming one of the best in his position in the game, scoring four goals in nine, having only previously scored six in 145 appearances.
And although he has made his name in Spain, the midfielder very nearly joined Premier League side Arsenal at the start of his career.
According to AS, Arsenal came to a verbal agreement with Valverde after he had been scouted by Francis Cagigao, who had recommended the player to Wenger.
The move was reportedly close as Valverde and his agent travelled to London in December 2014, so he could spend time near Arsenal's training ground were he was suggested to have trained with the Gunner's first team.
However, the club decided to hold putting an offer on the table, which proved to be a massive mistake as he went on to star in the South American U17 Championship in Paraguay not long after.
