LUIS SUAREZ comes from the same town and expects him to follow a similar path.
So the next stop for striker Joaquin Ardaiz could be the Premier League – judging by the scouts looking at Salto’s next star.
The Uruguayan, 17, said: “When I spoke to Suarez he told me it was good I was playing for the Under-20s.
“He said he was convinced I’d play for one of the top teams in Europe if I worked hard every day at my game.”
No pressure then.
The town of Salto has produced Suarez, Edinson Cavani and now Ardaiz.
He has broken into the first team at Danubio, Cavani’s old club, but his dream is to play in England, with Liverpool and Manchester City interested.
Ardaiz said: “I like Chelsea and Liverpool. I love the Premier League and want to play here.
“I watch lots of games and like the Manchester derby when you feel the atmosphere.
“People have said I have similar characteristics to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“I’ve been working very hard on the physical side of my game to get to Europe.”
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Another similarity with Barcelona star Suarez is a bad-boy reputation.
Ardaiz was banned last year when violence erupted between players after a match against Liverpool — the Uruguayan club with the same name.
It had echoes of Suarez, who was never far from controversy during his 3½ years at Anfield.
He said: “Everywhere you go in Salto they talk about Suarez and Cavani, they are idols.
“They say ‘We think you are the next Suarez’ or ‘Are you going to be as good as him?’
“But it isn’t pressure, it makes me more motivated.
“With the talent I have, I need to maximise it.”
Ardaiz’s agent, Nick Maytum, is English so seeing him here soon is a possibility.
He added: “Salto is not like London. I enjoy the shopping and like the different types of food in England.
“I have been lucky and my family pushed me. My parents are very proud.”
They could be even prouder if he makes the move over to Europe.
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