Is Luis Suarez the most polarizing soccer player of recent time? That question is up for debate but there is one thing that nobody can question: Suarez is a top-notch soccer player. The Uruguayan is nominated for the FIFA Ballon d'Or and has made a tremendous case for winning the award in 2013.
Aside from his infamous bite against Branislav Ivanovic and his public quotes against his club Liverpool, Suarez has played some spectacular soccer. He finished the 2012-13 season with 23 goals in 33 matches. Not content with that output, he led Uruguay to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup and scored three goals in five matches. During the World Cup qualifiers this year he scored four times and wound up being one of three players to score 11 goals overall.
He has been even better to start 2013-14 with Liverpool despite missing the first few matches of the season. Through just seven matches Suarez has scored an astounding nine goals.
Suarez has gained respect for his tremendous scoring abilities but his polarizing personality could hinder his chances of getting anywhere near the top of the standings. One must not forget that this is ultimately a popularity contest with the most revered players likely to win out. Suarez failed to score during the playoff against Jordan and that could also hinder his chances of striking it big among voters.
Prediction: Suarez finishes in the 24-20 range.
Should Suarez win the Ballon d'Or in 2013? Do you think his controversial antics will hinder his chances?