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Sahin: Dortmund lack killer instinct
Nuri Sahin is still seething after Borussia Dortmund lost yet more ground on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by slumping to a third straight home defeat at the weekend.
Die Schwarzgelben were beaten 2-1 by Hertha Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, meaning they go into the winter break 12 points in fourth place, a staggering 12 points behind their Bavarian rivals, who also have a game in hand.
Sahin was particularly frustrated by the loss as Jurgen Klopp's men had actually gone in front through Marco Reus seven minutes in, only to succumb to goals from Adrian Ramos and Sami Allagui.
"We should have added to our lead after going in front, but we took our foot off the gas," the Turkey international told Bundesliga.com.
"We need more of a killer instinct to win these types of matches. Had we scored the second goal, Hertha wouldn't have got back into the match.
"They defended well in the second half and took advantage of our errors in the first. We're very frustrated."
Sebastian Kehl echoed his team-mate's sentiments, admitting that last season's Champions League runners-up had effectively switched off after Reus' opener.
"We stopped playing football after making a good start to the match," the 33-year-old lamented.
"We let Hertha back into the game with those two goals and we couldn't break them down in the second half.
"The defeat is very, very disappointing - it's our third home defeat in a row and we're going to have to wait until the start of next year to put things right."
Dortmund will resume their Bundesliga campaign against Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on January 25.
Nuri Sahin is still seething after Borussia Dortmund lost yet more ground on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by slumping to a third straight home defeat at the weekend.
Die Schwarzgelben were beaten 2-1 by Hertha Berlin at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday, meaning they go into the winter break 12 points in fourth place, a staggering 12 points behind their Bavarian rivals, who also have a game in hand.
Sahin was particularly frustrated by the loss as Jurgen Klopp's men had actually gone in front through Marco Reus seven minutes in, only to succumb to goals from Adrian Ramos and Sami Allagui.
"We should have added to our lead after going in front, but we took our foot off the gas," the Turkey international told Bundesliga.com.
"We need more of a killer instinct to win these types of matches. Had we scored the second goal, Hertha wouldn't have got back into the match.
"They defended well in the second half and took advantage of our errors in the first. We're very frustrated."
Sebastian Kehl echoed his team-mate's sentiments, admitting that last season's Champions League runners-up had effectively switched off after Reus' opener.
"We stopped playing football after making a good start to the match," the 33-year-old lamented.
"We let Hertha back into the game with those two goals and we couldn't break them down in the second half.
"The defeat is very, very disappointing - it's our third home defeat in a row and we're going to have to wait until the start of next year to put things right."
Dortmund will resume their Bundesliga campaign against Augsburg at Signal Iduna Park on January 25.
Iniesta signs new Barcelona deal
Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract that will keep him at Barcelona until the summer of 2018.
The Spain interantional agreed terms on a new deal last week to end speculation that he could seek a move away from Camp Nou.
And he has now formally signed the contract, which expires in four and a half years, shortly after his 34th birthday.
"The player Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract this Monday which will keep him at Barcelona until 2018," a club statement read.
"The event took place a the club offices and was also attended by president Sandro Rosell, vice-president for sporting affairs Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the player's agent.
"From the 2017-18 season the contract will be extended automatically annually, provided that the player plays the right number of games each season."
Iniesta first joined Barca when he was 12 years old back in 1996 and the contract could see him remain with the club for a total of 22 years.
Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract that will keep him at Barcelona until the summer of 2018.
The Spain interantional agreed terms on a new deal last week to end speculation that he could seek a move away from Camp Nou.
And he has now formally signed the contract, which expires in four and a half years, shortly after his 34th birthday.
"The player Andres Iniesta has signed a new contract this Monday which will keep him at Barcelona until 2018," a club statement read.
"The event took place a the club offices and was also attended by president Sandro Rosell, vice-president for sporting affairs Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the player's agent.
"From the 2017-18 season the contract will be extended automatically annually, provided that the player plays the right number of games each season."
Iniesta first joined Barca when he was 12 years old back in 1996 and the contract could see him remain with the club for a total of 22 years.
Moyes hoping for Van Persie 'miracle'
Manchester United manager David Moyes is hoping Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick will return from injury over the festive period.
The duo have been sidelined with Achilles and thigh problems respectively, with Van Persie featuring just twice in December.
Carrick last played for the Red Devils in the 1-0 Old Trafford win over Arsenal on November 10, while the Dutchman last played in the club’s victory over Shakhtar.
Yet Moyes is hoping to see the pair take some part in United’s upcoming games, telling reporters: "There are always miracles at Christmas time so let's hope there could be one for Robin van Persie or Michael Carrick.”
Moyes also revealed that Marouane Fellaini will be sidelined for six weeks following wrist surgery, as reported by Goal on Monday morning.
"He had his operation on Saturday morning," he added. "We just couldn't get him recovered from his back injury.
“We thought his back would be okay after 10 days but it wasn't getting any better, so we made a quick decision to get his wrist operated on, to get it done quickly. We think it will be six weeks but there's a chance it will be before that.
"His back problem was just going to take time. It was a muscle injury, which wasn't healing so it was maybe going to take longer than expected. That's why we decided to get the wrist done.”
The Belgian has featured intermittently for the Red Devils since signing from Everton for £27.5 million and has suffered problems with his wrist since the beginning of the season.
"He doesn't feel 100 per cent fit because of the wrist," Moyes continued. "I asked him to see over the Christmas period. He got the back injury against Everton and since then he's never really been right, but we thought we might have got him back in a couple of weeks.
"He tried it and it wasn't right, so we thought the best idea was to move on, have the surgery on his wrist and give his back a chance to get well too."
Manchester United manager David Moyes is hoping Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick will return from injury over the festive period.
The duo have been sidelined with Achilles and thigh problems respectively, with Van Persie featuring just twice in December.
Carrick last played for the Red Devils in the 1-0 Old Trafford win over Arsenal on November 10, while the Dutchman last played in the club’s victory over Shakhtar.
Yet Moyes is hoping to see the pair take some part in United’s upcoming games, telling reporters: "There are always miracles at Christmas time so let's hope there could be one for Robin van Persie or Michael Carrick.”
Moyes also revealed that Marouane Fellaini will be sidelined for six weeks following wrist surgery, as reported by Goal on Monday morning.
"He had his operation on Saturday morning," he added. "We just couldn't get him recovered from his back injury.
“We thought his back would be okay after 10 days but it wasn't getting any better, so we made a quick decision to get his wrist operated on, to get it done quickly. We think it will be six weeks but there's a chance it will be before that.
"His back problem was just going to take time. It was a muscle injury, which wasn't healing so it was maybe going to take longer than expected. That's why we decided to get the wrist done.”
The Belgian has featured intermittently for the Red Devils since signing from Everton for £27.5 million and has suffered problems with his wrist since the beginning of the season.
"He doesn't feel 100 per cent fit because of the wrist," Moyes continued. "I asked him to see over the Christmas period. He got the back injury against Everton and since then he's never really been right, but we thought we might have got him back in a couple of weeks.
"He tried it and it wasn't right, so we thought the best idea was to move on, have the surgery on his wrist and give his back a chance to get well too."
Di Maria: I've not asked to leave Real Madrid
Angel Di Maria has admitted that he knew Gareth Bale’s arrival would have an impact on his playing time for Real Madrid but has rejected rumours he wants to leave the club.
Bale's arrival in September for a world-record €100 million raised questions about Di Maria's status at los Blancos and prompted suggestions that he might leave the Bernabeu.
Di Maria, who scored and made an assist in Madrid's 3-2 victory over Valencia, says he expected to play less frequently, but denied that he was looking for a way out of the club.
“I knew that a €100 million player was coming and he had to play,” Di Maria told reporters.
“No I have not asked out. My head is at Real Madrid. You [journalists] put that I was going to Tottenham or another club. You know where these reports come out."
The Argentine international also refuted claims that he had requested a renewal to his contract.
He added: ”I’m happy at Real Madrid. I never asked for a renewal. A player who does not play cannot request a renewal.”
Di Maria has played in 15 of 17 league games for Carlo Ancelotti's men this season.
Angel Di Maria has admitted that he knew Gareth Bale’s arrival would have an impact on his playing time for Real Madrid but has rejected rumours he wants to leave the club.
Bale's arrival in September for a world-record €100 million raised questions about Di Maria's status at los Blancos and prompted suggestions that he might leave the Bernabeu.
Di Maria, who scored and made an assist in Madrid's 3-2 victory over Valencia, says he expected to play less frequently, but denied that he was looking for a way out of the club.
“I knew that a €100 million player was coming and he had to play,” Di Maria told reporters.
“No I have not asked out. My head is at Real Madrid. You [journalists] put that I was going to Tottenham or another club. You know where these reports come out."
The Argentine international also refuted claims that he had requested a renewal to his contract.
He added: ”I’m happy at Real Madrid. I never asked for a renewal. A player who does not play cannot request a renewal.”
Di Maria has played in 15 of 17 league games for Carlo Ancelotti's men this season.
Moyes hails Manchester United 'leader' Rooney
Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney is exhibiting all the qualities required to captain the club on a full-time basis.
Rooney’s long-term future at Old Trafford is far from certain with talks yet to commence over an extension to his contract which is due to expire in little over 18 months.
Despite the uncertainty as to whether the England striker’s Manchester United career will stretch into a second decade, the 28-year-old has been in outstanding form this season both in terms of his goalscoring output and, according to Moyes, his "leadership" of the team.
"Do you know what I see more than anything in Wayne? I see leadership," he told the club's official website.
"I see somebody who wants to take responsibility for the team. I see somebody who cares for how he plays and how the team plays. More than anything that is what I see from Wayne.
"Maybe if he is not quite at the top of his form, I will need him to drop in at times and he has no problem doing any of the jobs. He is getting to an age now where he realises he is not a boy any more.
"He is one of the senior men in the team. He is actually on the verge of being one of the great legends at this club.
"Because of that I think he is saying I have got to take responsibility for results and for performances and make sure the players are doing it on the pitch.
"The players are responding. In the dressing room now Wayne is one of those who is beginning to call the shots."
Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney is exhibiting all the qualities required to captain the club on a full-time basis.
Rooney’s long-term future at Old Trafford is far from certain with talks yet to commence over an extension to his contract which is due to expire in little over 18 months.
Despite the uncertainty as to whether the England striker’s Manchester United career will stretch into a second decade, the 28-year-old has been in outstanding form this season both in terms of his goalscoring output and, according to Moyes, his "leadership" of the team.
"Do you know what I see more than anything in Wayne? I see leadership," he told the club's official website.
"I see somebody who wants to take responsibility for the team. I see somebody who cares for how he plays and how the team plays. More than anything that is what I see from Wayne.
"Maybe if he is not quite at the top of his form, I will need him to drop in at times and he has no problem doing any of the jobs. He is getting to an age now where he realises he is not a boy any more.
"He is one of the senior men in the team. He is actually on the verge of being one of the great legends at this club.
"Because of that I think he is saying I have got to take responsibility for results and for performances and make sure the players are doing it on the pitch.
"The players are responding. In the dressing room now Wayne is one of those who is beginning to call the shots."
Sneijder: No reason to leave Galatasaray
Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder has insisted that he sees no reason to leave the club, despite rumoured interest from the Premier League.
Manchester United have been linked with a January move for the Dutchman, who moved to Istanbul from Inter midway through last season.
However, Sneijder insists that he is happy with life at Galatasaray and is enjoying playing for the Turkish champions.
"You would know better than me if I received any offers. Up to now there are no offers," he told Beyaz TV.
"There are rumours about me in every transfer window. I look forward to the end of transfer windows so people stop taking about me. I'm very happy here with the team and the fans and I have no reason to leave.
"This type of news always happens. You just need to wait until the end of the window."
The 29-year-old went on to voice his confidence that his side can overcome Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League if they put in a big performance.
"There'll be two good games," he said. "We deserve to be where we are in Europe. This success is very important for the club, the supporters and the team.
"Now we want to go even further. We really have to believe in ourselves to get to the quarter-finals. If we are all focused, we have a real chance."
Legendary coach Fatih Terim left the club earlier this season after a boardroom bust-up and Sneijder says he has become used to touchline changes.
"It's always difficult when a coach leaves the club. This happened suddenly, it was very emotional. I've been a professional footballer for 11 year. It's difficult, emotional, but normal in the world of football."
Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder has insisted that he sees no reason to leave the club, despite rumoured interest from the Premier League.
Manchester United have been linked with a January move for the Dutchman, who moved to Istanbul from Inter midway through last season.
However, Sneijder insists that he is happy with life at Galatasaray and is enjoying playing for the Turkish champions.
"You would know better than me if I received any offers. Up to now there are no offers," he told Beyaz TV.
"There are rumours about me in every transfer window. I look forward to the end of transfer windows so people stop taking about me. I'm very happy here with the team and the fans and I have no reason to leave.
"This type of news always happens. You just need to wait until the end of the window."
The 29-year-old went on to voice his confidence that his side can overcome Chelsea in the last 16 of the Champions League if they put in a big performance.
"There'll be two good games," he said. "We deserve to be where we are in Europe. This success is very important for the club, the supporters and the team.
"Now we want to go even further. We really have to believe in ourselves to get to the quarter-finals. If we are all focused, we have a real chance."
Legendary coach Fatih Terim left the club earlier this season after a boardroom bust-up and Sneijder says he has become used to touchline changes.
"It's always difficult when a coach leaves the club. This happened suddenly, it was very emotional. I've been a professional footballer for 11 year. It's difficult, emotional, but normal in the world of football."
Guarin confirms agent talks with Chelsea
Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin has confirmed his agent has held talks with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho’s side have edged ahead of Manchester United in the race for the 27-year-old and are prepared to pay up to €15 million for the midfielder.
United have already sent representatives to Italy to discuss a deal for the Colombia international, who insists he is open to staying with the Serie A club.
"I can not deny there is something, I haven’t spoken with Mourinho but my agent did,” Guarin told reporters.
“However, I hope Inter consider my will to stay."
Guarin has made 17 Serie A appearances for Inter this season and set up Rodrigo Palacio's late winner in the derby against AC Milan on Sunday evening.
Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin has confirmed his agent has held talks with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge.
Jose Mourinho’s side have edged ahead of Manchester United in the race for the 27-year-old and are prepared to pay up to €15 million for the midfielder.
United have already sent representatives to Italy to discuss a deal for the Colombia international, who insists he is open to staying with the Serie A club.
"I can not deny there is something, I haven’t spoken with Mourinho but my agent did,” Guarin told reporters.
“However, I hope Inter consider my will to stay."
Guarin has made 17 Serie A appearances for Inter this season and set up Rodrigo Palacio's late winner in the derby against AC Milan on Sunday evening.
Ribery: I couldn't play for another team in Europe
Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says he could not think about playing for another club in Europe, but would consider a move to the USA or UAE when he is older.
The Frenchman has been at the Allianz Arena since 2006 and led the Bavarian outfit to five trophies in 2013 with a string of devestating performances.
He is under contract with the German champions until the summer of 2017, and though he would consider playing in a lesser league before retiring, he would not play for one of their Champions League rivals.
"In Europe, there will be no other club, but it would be a bonus for me if there can be another continent after that,” he told Kicker.
“I could be tempted to go to a country like the USA or maybe the [United Arab] Emirates, but I would not count that as part of my real career.
"I hope I can play at this level for as long as possible, but I don’t think about it. I enjoy the moment. Of course, I am 30 and I am getting older.
"In a couple of years I will not be able to play like this anymore. But I will try to push back that date as long as possible.”
Ribery is one of the final three candidates for the Ballon d'Or, and though he says that every Bayern player deserves credit for their medal haul, he feels he has done enough to merit the award.
"We are all winners. I know how I played and what I have won. You just have to look at the stats. It can’t get any better.
"What else should I do? Looking at the year as a whole, I may indeed have done enough to deserve the Ballon d’Or."
Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says he could not think about playing for another club in Europe, but would consider a move to the USA or UAE when he is older.
The Frenchman has been at the Allianz Arena since 2006 and led the Bavarian outfit to five trophies in 2013 with a string of devestating performances.
He is under contract with the German champions until the summer of 2017, and though he would consider playing in a lesser league before retiring, he would not play for one of their Champions League rivals.
"In Europe, there will be no other club, but it would be a bonus for me if there can be another continent after that,” he told Kicker.
“I could be tempted to go to a country like the USA or maybe the [United Arab] Emirates, but I would not count that as part of my real career.
"I hope I can play at this level for as long as possible, but I don’t think about it. I enjoy the moment. Of course, I am 30 and I am getting older.
"In a couple of years I will not be able to play like this anymore. But I will try to push back that date as long as possible.”
Ribery is one of the final three candidates for the Ballon d'Or, and though he says that every Bayern player deserves credit for their medal haul, he feels he has done enough to merit the award.
"We are all winners. I know how I played and what I have won. You just have to look at the stats. It can’t get any better.
"What else should I do? Looking at the year as a whole, I may indeed have done enough to deserve the Ballon d’Or."
Fellaini out for six weeks after wrist surgery
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is set to be sidelined for six weeks after undergoing wrist surgery.
The midfielder has not featured for the Premier League champions since the club's 1-0 defeat to Everton on December 4.
"Fellaini had a bad twinge in his back and the club think now is the best time to also operate on his wrist," a source close to the club told Goal.
"United didn't want to do anything with the wrist until the summer but Belgium have been pushing them for three months to sort it out with the World Cup in mind.
"United believe now is the best time to operate on the back twinge, particularly with Michael Carrick now just seven to 10 days away from a return to first-team training."
Belgium team doctor, Kris van Crombrugge, revealed in October that the midfielder would require attention to the problem area, with a December date set.
Fellaini's Old Trafford career has been hampered by injuries since his £27.5 million arrival from Everton in September, and David Moyes admitted on Saturday that the club were concerned by the midfielder's slow recovery.
"Fellaini has an injury to his back, which we hoped might have healed up but it hasn't," Moyes told reporters.
"I am going to get another scan and if it hasn't healed up then I might need to take the decision to get his wrist done as well."
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is set to be sidelined for six weeks after undergoing wrist surgery.
The midfielder has not featured for the Premier League champions since the club's 1-0 defeat to Everton on December 4.
"Fellaini had a bad twinge in his back and the club think now is the best time to also operate on his wrist," a source close to the club told Goal.
"United didn't want to do anything with the wrist until the summer but Belgium have been pushing them for three months to sort it out with the World Cup in mind.
"United believe now is the best time to operate on the back twinge, particularly with Michael Carrick now just seven to 10 days away from a return to first-team training."
Belgium team doctor, Kris van Crombrugge, revealed in October that the midfielder would require attention to the problem area, with a December date set.
Fellaini's Old Trafford career has been hampered by injuries since his £27.5 million arrival from Everton in September, and David Moyes admitted on Saturday that the club were concerned by the midfielder's slow recovery.
"Fellaini has an injury to his back, which we hoped might have healed up but it hasn't," Moyes told reporters.
"I am going to get another scan and if it hasn't healed up then I might need to take the decision to get his wrist done as well."
Henry dreams of Arsenal return
Thierry Henry has revealed that would love to return to Arsenal in the future and has not ruled out managing the Gunners.
The New York Red Bulls striker, 36, is the north London club's record scorer with 228 goals to his name and was part of the last Arsenal team to win a trophy - the FA Cup back in 2005.
The former Barcelona striker, who moved to MLS in 2010 after winning La Liga in his final season at Camp Nou, has now suggested he could hang up his boots at the end of the season and would be interested in a return to the Emirates Stadium.
"I would love to be around the game and - I've said it so many times - hopefully around Arsenal," he told Sky Sports.
"What am I going to do? I don't know if it's going to be coaching. I really don't know yet. I'm trying to finish my career, which is something I have to concentrate on.
"This is my last year actually, the one coming, on paper. I'm not saying I'm retiring, I'm saying that's my last year on paper to make it clear."
When asked if he will ever manage Arsenal, Henry said: "I don't know. I'm sure if you asked any Arsenal fan they would love to be the Arsenal manager, but I actually don't know.
"You need to do some stuff before that. You can't pretend that you can come and be a manager. It's really difficult.
"The dream for me would be to be back at Arsenal. The rest we will see, but the dream would be to be back at Arsenal, obviously."
Thierry Henry has revealed that would love to return to Arsenal in the future and has not ruled out managing the Gunners.
The New York Red Bulls striker, 36, is the north London club's record scorer with 228 goals to his name and was part of the last Arsenal team to win a trophy - the FA Cup back in 2005.
The former Barcelona striker, who moved to MLS in 2010 after winning La Liga in his final season at Camp Nou, has now suggested he could hang up his boots at the end of the season and would be interested in a return to the Emirates Stadium.
"I would love to be around the game and - I've said it so many times - hopefully around Arsenal," he told Sky Sports.
"What am I going to do? I don't know if it's going to be coaching. I really don't know yet. I'm trying to finish my career, which is something I have to concentrate on.
"This is my last year actually, the one coming, on paper. I'm not saying I'm retiring, I'm saying that's my last year on paper to make it clear."
When asked if he will ever manage Arsenal, Henry said: "I don't know. I'm sure if you asked any Arsenal fan they would love to be the Arsenal manager, but I actually don't know.
"You need to do some stuff before that. You can't pretend that you can come and be a manager. It's really difficult.
"The dream for me would be to be back at Arsenal. The rest we will see, but the dream would be to be back at Arsenal, obviously."
Alonso suffers eardrum injury
Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Xabi Alonso suffered a perforated eardrum in the 3-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.
The Spain international collided with Jeremy Mathieu on the hour-mark at Mestalla but soldiered on to play the rest of the match.
He immediately underwent tests on the injury after the game and it has now been confirmed that he has a tear in his left eardrum.
"After medical tests on Xabi Alonso, the player has a perforated left eardrum suffered as a result of a hit he took in the match against Valencia," a club statement read.
The former Liverpool man was unable to fly back to the Spanish capital with the rest of his team-mates and will instead travel home by road.
With Madrid's action before the winter break now concluded, though, there is little chance of Carlo Ancelotti being without the 32-year-old for any matches.
Real Madrid have confirmed that midfielder Xabi Alonso suffered a perforated eardrum in the 3-2 win over Valencia on Sunday.
The Spain international collided with Jeremy Mathieu on the hour-mark at Mestalla but soldiered on to play the rest of the match.
He immediately underwent tests on the injury after the game and it has now been confirmed that he has a tear in his left eardrum.
"After medical tests on Xabi Alonso, the player has a perforated left eardrum suffered as a result of a hit he took in the match against Valencia," a club statement read.
The former Liverpool man was unable to fly back to the Spanish capital with the rest of his team-mates and will instead travel home by road.
With Madrid's action before the winter break now concluded, though, there is little chance of Carlo Ancelotti being without the 32-year-old for any matches.
Football Thread 1ke Hamotama Suba Natthalak Wewa
Suarez can get even better, warns Lucas
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has warned the rest of the Premier League that red-hot striker Luis Suarez can get even better.
Suarez has been in unstoppable form since returning from suspension, scoring 19 goals in just 12 league appearances to help lift Liverpool to the top of the table for Christmas.
The Uruguay international has set a new Premier League record in December, becoming the first player to score 10 goals in a calendar month since the division's inception in 1992.Those strikes have come in just four games, with Suarez seemingly relishing the added responsibility of captaining Brendan Rodgers' side in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.
England skipper Gerrard labelled Suarez "the best player in the world" on current form after watching the 26-year-old score twice in Liverpool's 5-0 rout of Tottenham on December 15, while Lucas feels his team-mate has established himself as the leading star in the English top flight.
"Suarez has done very well," he told Perform. "After being suspended for the first five games of the season, in 12 games he has scored 19 goals if I am not wrong.
"[This] is at the level of Ronaldo and Messi ... I believe he is now among the top five in the world for everything he has done this season.
"He is a player who improves every day. He had some problems in the past but he learned and now he is much quieter, without losing that aggressiveness on the field.
"That's good, because he can play even better."
Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has warned the rest of the Premier League that red-hot striker Luis Suarez can get even better.
Suarez has been in unstoppable form since returning from suspension, scoring 19 goals in just 12 league appearances to help lift Liverpool to the top of the table for Christmas.
The Uruguay international has set a new Premier League record in December, becoming the first player to score 10 goals in a calendar month since the division's inception in 1992.Those strikes have come in just four games, with Suarez seemingly relishing the added responsibility of captaining Brendan Rodgers' side in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.
England skipper Gerrard labelled Suarez "the best player in the world" on current form after watching the 26-year-old score twice in Liverpool's 5-0 rout of Tottenham on December 15, while Lucas feels his team-mate has established himself as the leading star in the English top flight.
"Suarez has done very well," he told Perform. "After being suspended for the first five games of the season, in 12 games he has scored 19 goals if I am not wrong.
"[This] is at the level of Ronaldo and Messi ... I believe he is now among the top five in the world for everything he has done this season.
"He is a player who improves every day. He had some problems in the past but he learned and now he is much quieter, without losing that aggressiveness on the field.
"That's good, because he can play even better."
Neymar will go down in history - Ronaldo
Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has claimed that Neymar will "go down in history" as one of the best Brazilian players ever.
The 21-year-old has shone in 2013 - after signing for the Catalans from Santos in the early summer, he starred as the Selecao stormed to the Confederations Cup title and has subsequently starred for Gerardo Martino's men this season.
"It is a fact that Neymar will be a great player," Ronaldo told Brazilian television. "He will go down in history as one of the best Brazilian players in the world.
"He's on the right track. He's a charismatic player and is focused on what you have to do to succeed."
The Blaugrana are in the midst of a winter break but they are back in action against second-placed Atletico Madrid, who are level on points with the club.
Former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has claimed that Neymar will "go down in history" as one of the best Brazilian players ever.
The 21-year-old has shone in 2013 - after signing for the Catalans from Santos in the early summer, he starred as the Selecao stormed to the Confederations Cup title and has subsequently starred for Gerardo Martino's men this season.
"It is a fact that Neymar will be a great player," Ronaldo told Brazilian television. "He will go down in history as one of the best Brazilian players in the world.
"He's on the right track. He's a charismatic player and is focused on what you have to do to succeed."
The Blaugrana are in the midst of a winter break but they are back in action against second-placed Atletico Madrid, who are level on points with the club.
Juve are spectacular, says Tevez
Carlos Tevez says he is enjoying life at "spectacular" Juventus after joining from Manchester City this summer.
The Argentine, 29, has scored 12 goals in his 24 Bianconeri appearances this season and has been a constant starter in the XI.
Despite the disappointment of being dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage, Antonio Conte's men have been flying in Serie A and Tevez is thrilled with life in Italy.
"I am very happy in Turin," the striker told Corriere dello Sport. "Now the most important thing is to get some rest and prepare for the match against Roma.
"We wanted to be ahead in Serie A this stage. We know that this Juventus are much a much stronger team than the ones that won the last two Scudettos.
"I'm happy because this group of players is spectacular."
Juve, who are five points ahead of second-placed Roma, are back in action on January 6 after the current winter break against the Giallorossi.
Carlos Tevez says he is enjoying life at "spectacular" Juventus after joining from Manchester City this summer.
The Argentine, 29, has scored 12 goals in his 24 Bianconeri appearances this season and has been a constant starter in the XI.
Despite the disappointment of being dumped out of the Champions League at the group stage, Antonio Conte's men have been flying in Serie A and Tevez is thrilled with life in Italy.
"I am very happy in Turin," the striker told Corriere dello Sport. "Now the most important thing is to get some rest and prepare for the match against Roma.
"We wanted to be ahead in Serie A this stage. We know that this Juventus are much a much stronger team than the ones that won the last two Scudettos.
"I'm happy because this group of players is spectacular."
Juve, who are five points ahead of second-placed Roma, are back in action on January 6 after the current winter break against the Giallorossi.
Cabaye could get 'lost' at another club, warns Pardew
Alan Pardew believes Yohan Cabaye would be making a mistake if he attempted to pursue a move away from Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
The France international refused to play in Premier League games against Manchester City and West Ham at the beginning of the season after the Magpies rejected a bid from Arsenal.
However, Cabaye has since settled his differences with the club and has played an integral role in an impressive campaign so far, with his four goals helping the club move up to sixth place in the league table.
Cabaye's performances have led to renewed speculation that he could be on the move in the January transfer window, but Pardew has warned the 27-year-old against leaving St James' Park.
"He's in an environment where he's got pole position," said the Newcastle boss. "You don't always get that. You can get lost at some clubs."
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League leaders Liverpool are just two of several clubs to have been linked with a move for Cabaye.
Alan Pardew believes Yohan Cabaye would be making a mistake if he attempted to pursue a move away from Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
The France international refused to play in Premier League games against Manchester City and West Ham at the beginning of the season after the Magpies rejected a bid from Arsenal.
However, Cabaye has since settled his differences with the club and has played an integral role in an impressive campaign so far, with his four goals helping the club move up to sixth place in the league table.
Cabaye's performances have led to renewed speculation that he could be on the move in the January transfer window, but Pardew has warned the 27-year-old against leaving St James' Park.
"He's in an environment where he's got pole position," said the Newcastle boss. "You don't always get that. You can get lost at some clubs."
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League leaders Liverpool are just two of several clubs to have been linked with a move for Cabaye.
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