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No. 4 Luis Suarez, Liverpool/Uruguay

Why he's ranked: Suarez's contribution to Uruguay's run to the semifinals of the most recent World Cup was marred by his handball on the line that denied Ghana a place in the final four, but his status as a world superstar has risen dramatically since. The most outstanding player in the English Premier League with Liverpool this season, he is heading to Brazil 2014 with the world at his feet.

Key stat: Suarez led the Premier League last season with 31 goals and was second in assists (12) despite missing the first five games due to suspension. Only teammate Steven Gerrard had more assists (13).

What the experts say: "Blessed with the facility to finish, the power to tackle defenders in open play and personality to spare, he is an ideal partner to [Edinson] Cavani for Uruguay. The only issue: Keeping his cool." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

"[He is] king of strikers in a team and league where goals abound. This season, he scored 31 in 35 games -- without taking penalties -- matching the record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Shearer. Plus, he had 12 assists. His colleagues and the British press deservedly chose him as the best player in the EPL this season. Much of what Uruguay can do depend on Suarez repeating what he does every weekend: scoring from every angle and under any circumstance." - Enrique Sacco, ESPN Argentina

What You Think:

#4 in the World? I'll take it. Hope he's fit before Saturday. #WorldCupRank: No. 4 Luis Suarez http://t.co/NJrr2ZRZ5f - Marcelo Acevedo (@celoz0828) June 10, 2014

Other articles:

- Simon Kuper: Controversial Suarez seeks redemption

- Wright Thompson: Portrait of a serial winner

- ESPN FC Blogs: Uruguay

- #WorldCupRank: Our Top 50 players of the World Cup

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