Former Premier League and European referee Mark Clattenburg has named Luis Suarez as the player who impressed him most during his career, even above Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking on Goal’s Beast Mode On podcast, Clattenburg recalled a match from the 2009-10 season when Suarez was playing for Ajax, describing the Uruguayan striker as “on fire” and a player impossible to forget.

“Difficult player to referee, but incredibly talented. I remember refereeing him when he was playing for Ajax and he scored four goals against Slovan Bratislava. I came home to my mates and said, ‘I’ve just watched one of the best players I’ve ever seen. Forget about Ronaldo, forget about Messi.’”

Clattenburg highlighted Suarez’s unique ability to link up play and contribute both offensively and defensively. He also noted Messi’s admiration for Suarez during their time together at Barcelona, praising the Uruguayan for doing the “dirty work” that allowed Messi to shine.

Suarez enjoyed a stellar career with clubs like Liverpool and Barcelona, winning multiple domestic and international trophies. He now plays for Inter Miami, where he has reunited with Lionel Messi.

“He was one of those players that could link everybody. Messi openly said he loved playing with Suarez because of the work he did for him,” Clattenburg added.

For the former referee, Suarez’s combination of skill, determination, and tactical intelligence made him stand out as a player unlike any other he officiated.