Ballon d’Or: The Shame Of Luis Suarez’ Shortlist Absence
The most blatant of absences from the 23 man Ballon d’Or shortlist comes in the shadow of Luis Suarez. There is no question that his animalistic antics sent his probability for Ballon D’Or contention out the window during the 2014 World Cup this summer.
But what is not denied by anyone, including the ever so critical media, were his heroics for Liverpool between the time frame where the award is reflected (November 2013-November 2014). And the time frame stands perfectly in retrospect, as Suarez endured his match ban for violently biting Branislav Ivanovic in April 2013 at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season. The ban ended in early October, allowed Suarez to begin his brilliant league campaign that will now be written within Liverpool history.
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After his return to Anfield and England, the incident faded into the past while Suarez initialized himself as one of the best on the planet that season scoring a whopping 31 goals in a mere 33 appearances, reminiscent to the influence Cristiano Ronaldo made during his Ballon d’Or triumph for Manchester United in 2008.
Suarez may have not been playing Champions League football, but he can single-handley claim responsibility for how great his influence was on the function of the squad as well as his influence with Daniel Sturridge up front. Suarez would just as often as he scored, be charitable with his assists.
His playmaking as well a versatility as a forward was exactly what Barcelona become interested in. Luis also aided in making the fans of Anfield dream, sort of in the same way legendary Rafa Benetiz did to aid Fernando Torres in some of the best moments of his career in 2008/2009- Suarez lead his squad to title contention. Liverpool may be the most decorated club in England, but ability to win a league title has been dry since the 1989/1990 season.
Jun 24, 2014; Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, BRAZIL; Uruguay forward Luis Suarez (9) moves in to pop a balloon during the first half of a 2014 World Cup game against Italy at Estadio das Dunas. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Although the club has been put into promising positions on the league table for challenging for the title, Liverpool’s reach had never been so close in recent years than it was when Luis Suarez lead the team. In terms of individual accolades, Suarez was the first non-European to win the PFA Player of the Year award, shared claiming the Golden Boot with Ronaldo, was named the Football Association of Writers player of the year, as well was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season in 2013/2014.
Considering an enormous part of Franck Ribery’s tip to win the Ballon d’Or last season stemmed from his team and individual efforts, Suarez’ loss on even the shortlist is a true shame. His individual awards can compete with the individual awards of Ronaldo who is this years favorite.
Yet in terms of the criteria for the Ballon d’Or , Suarez was sweet out of luck.
His behavior is what ripped any real chance of his name being apart of the nominations. I’m sure it was even luck he was honorably mentioned by the media, but this should stand as a gravitating lesson to the Uruguayan. The shame truly stands in the potential shift in power that the award could have had. I believe Suarez could’ve potentially broken the Messi- Ronaldo era, one that seems never ending for other greats.
Unfortunately for Suarez, his controversy will inevitably overshadow his legacy – and because the ballon d’Or does base it’s voting criteria on behaviors on and off the pitch, Suarez has lost more than just an award, he’s lost many peoples respect.