Inter legend Suarez: Balotelli not world class

Posted Thursday, December 26, 2013 by Goal.com

The former Spain international has questioned the forward's ability to rise to the big occasion when he does not have a strong supporting cast

Inter legend Luis Suarez has claimed that last weekend's Milan derby proved that Mario Balotelli still cannot be considered a world-class player.

The Rossoneri forward struggled to make an impact in the game at San Siro, as Massimiliano Allegri's struggling side slumped to a 1-0 defeat, with Rodrigo Palacio scoring the only goal of the game with just four minutes to go.

Suarez was extremely underwhelmed with Balotelli's contribution to the AC Milan cause, arguing that the obvious dearth of talent around him cannot be used an excuse for such a sub-standard showing in one of the most famous fixtures in world football.

"One sees a world-class player in games like the derby, meaning he is not one yet," the former Spain international told Tiki Taka.

"Palacio and [Inter midfielder Fredy] Guarin played like world-class players, without the support of the team ..."

Balotelli has managed just six Serie A goals this season for Milan, who are currently languishing in 13th place in the standings.