Luis Suarez has praised Darwin Nunez as a “very talented young player” with the potential to become “one of the best,” while also cautioning his Uruguay teammate that they are in competition for a starting position.

Ahead of the Copa America tournament, Nunez displayed his “respect” for Suarez by relinquishing his No. 9 shirt to the legendary striker. Suarez, who has returned to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the competition, will wear his former number, with Nunez opting for No. 19 instead. This gesture, as Suarez expressed in an interview with AUFTV prior to their first match against Panama on June 24, demonstrates the “greatness and humility” of a player whom Suarez believes has the potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

“He, with the humility that he has, a very good kid, said ‘no, Luis, you’re the No. 9, I’m going to respect you when you’re not there if I’m going to grab it’.

“Those are details that demonstrate the greatness and humility of a player who is going to be one of the best, if not [already] one of the best in the world today.”

In quotes carried by Teledoce, however, Suarez warned his fellow striker that he intends to “compete for the position” in Bielsa’s starting XI.

“Apart from wanting to help, I come to compete for the position,” he added, “because I want that; to play, win and achieve the goal.”

“At the time [he debuted] yes, I was the starter, Edi [Cavani] was the starter, but he always came, asked, wanted to learn things and that is spectacular.”

Suarez added: “Having him in front of me, seeing how he trains, how he plays each game, how can I not stop to applaud him and celebrate?

“Yes, obviously I had my time, I enjoyed it a lot and I continue to do so.”

Nunez netted a hat-trick in Uruguay’s final warmup friendly before Copa America – a 4-0 thrashing of Mexico – taking his tally to eight goals and three assists in seven games since Bielsa took charge.