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David Suazo: “Benfica are the strongest team in Portugal”

Fit-again striker ready to give his contribution

A name that is almost forgotten within the Benfica camp is David Suazo. The striker who arrived on loan from Inter Milan in the summer touched down with a lot of fanfare and expectation, but since then has featured very little.

The reason being the Honduran international is currently recovering from a leg injury he suffered on his Benifca debut in the 3-2 loss to Napoli in the first leg of their Uefa Cup tie – a match in which the marksman bagged his first goal for the Lisbon club.

With the aid of the international break, Suazo is scheduled to be healthy for Benfica’s trip to Germany when the club faces Hertha Berlin in the first match of the Uefa Cup group stage (Oct 23), followed by the Liga Sagres match against Naval (Oct 26).

“I am on the right path. Against Naval, it is certain that I will be in condition to play. I think I will be able to play before,” declared Suazo.

Suazo says it is hard watching from the sidelines, but admitted he has enjoyed what he has seen from his team-mates and thinks that Benfica are strong candidates to win the championship this season.

“Who are favourites? We are!” blurted the former Cagliari man. “We are growing and we have the guts and the will to fight for the title. I have seen a team that is growing rapidly. I have seen that they are working hard. We are on the right path and can still do much more.”

Healthy competition

Suazo carries a big reputation as a lethal finisher, but the modest Honduran only wants to be a member of the team and is pleased with the good recent form of Nuno Gomes and Oscar Cardozo.

“The group is compact. It is good to have a group that is strong and determined. If everyone is fit and in form to play, it is better for the team. I am here to work hard and afterwards, the coach is the one who decides who plays. I will give one hundred percent on the field. The goals come afterwards.”

On whether Suazo would like to be called Pantera (Panther), the same nickname given to Portugal and Benfica legend Eusebio, the summer signing preferred to be cautious about accepting the moniker.

“If you want to call me that, I will respect it, but that is a name with a lot of significance. Eusebio is Eusebio. There is only one. I am just a player who would like to earn his place and help Benfica win titles.”