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Lionel Messi believes Tottenham have a young Luis Suarez in their ranks

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Lionel Messi calls one Tottenham star the next Luis Suarez (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Tottenham have a ‘young Luis Suarez’ in Alejo Veliz as per Lionel Messi

Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz made the move to the N17 in the summer from Rosario Central amid a lot of expectations and hope for the future. The 20-year-old Argentine, who has trained with the national team on multiple occasions is yet to turn up for La Albiceleste.

However, a certain Lionel Messi, who might have the most Ballon d’Ors in history claims Tottenham have struck gold with the signing of Veliz, who shows signs of a ‘young Luis Suarez’ as per the former Barcelona captain.

Veliz has six Premier League appearances for Ange Postecoglou this season. He has only played 17 minutes across those six appearances. Avenues for a much more regular role shall surely open up given the congested period in January and FA Cup games as well.

Alejo Veliz can replace Harry Kane at Spurs in the long-run.
Alejo Veliz can replace Harry Kane at Spurs in the long run.

Messi is positive about the future of Argentinian football and believes there is a succession line in place once he retires. He compared Veliz’s playing style to that of former Liverpool and Barcelona ace Suarez. Here is what he told the Express:

“[Roman] Vega, [Maximo] Perrone, and especially Veliz,”

“Watching him play reminds me of what Suarez used to play like. I am very excited for the future of this country, and hope I can be an influence to these people, and talk to him.”

Veliz-Suarez

While it is surely early doors to compare a young Veliz to the best striker of this generation, Tottenham fans can take pride in the fact that they have such a young player in their ranks who is getting recognition from other youngsters like Messi, who himself has a lot of potential.

While it may be premature to directly compare Veliz to Suarez, the excitement surrounding the young striker is palpable. For Tottenham supporters, having Messi acknowledge and appreciate the talents of a player in their ranks is undoubtedly a source of pride.

Lionel Messi feels there's a shade of a young Luis Suarez in Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz.
Lionel Messi feels there’s a shade of a young Luis Suarez in Alejo Veliz.

There’s surely a long way to go for Veliz to come anywhere near Suarez’s level. But hopefully, he does that sooner than we expect him to and unlike the Uruguayan, spends his prime in the Premier League.

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As Veliz continues his journey with Spurs, the endorsement from Messi adds an extra layer of anticipation and optimism for what the future holds for this emerging talent in North London.

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