Lionel Messi and Neymar Ranked by Luis Suarez in Barcelona's MSN Trident

Barcelona forward Luis Suarez has ranked Lionel Messi and Neymar as the top two players, respectively, in the team’s stellar attacking trident.

Since joining the Blaugrana from Liverpool in the summer of 2014, the Uruguayan has been vital to the Barcelona cause, growing in stature game-by-game and linking up wonderfully with the aforementioned pair.

However, speaking to Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 (h/t David Manuca of Goal) it seems as though Suarez and the rest of the Barcelona players know their place:

"

In the locker room no one thinks they are better than anyone because everyone assumes Messi is the best.

We assume that Messi is the best and Neymar is number two. I really enjoy the opportunity to play with them. It's a privilege.

Our good relationship signifies a lot. We know Messi is at the top and no-one believes they are superior.

"

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It’s a ranking many would agree with. Both Messi and Neymar made it into the final three of the running for the 2015 Ballon d’Or award alongside Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, meaning Suarez misses out despite enjoying an excellent year. 

Bleacher Report UK summed up how the Uruguay international may feel having been left out of the running:

Here's a reminder of just how potent those three were last season:

While Suarez may be being humble with his rankings in the aforementioned quotes, there are plenty who would argue he deserves to be in between Messi and Neymar in these particular stakes, as good as the Brazilian has been recently.

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Let's not forget, it was the introduction of Suarez as the central striker in this Barcelona side by Luis Enrique that expedited their progression from a team struggling for balance to arguably the most feared attacking unit in the history of the game. With 16 goals and 14 assists in La Liga last season, despite not featuring until October, Suarez’s influence was wide-ranging.

Indeed, Spanish football expert Sergi Dominguez paid tribute to the impact Suarez has on matches, even if he isn’t as revered quite as much as Neymar and Messi:

Few will deny Messi remains the main man at Barcelona, but Suarez proved during his time at Liverpool that he’s a player who relishes a major portion of responsibility. That much was evident with the Argentina man out of the side with an injury recently, prompting the Blaugrana No. 9 to up his levels even further.

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Again, Neymar’s own form did snatch some of the spotlight from Suarez, as he dazzled on the left flank. The Uruguayan’s hold-up play, work rate and intelligent movement was so central to Barca surging to the top of the league, though, making Messi’s absence not too harshly felt.

As MisterChip reports here, even with Messi back in the team, Suarez has continued making regular key contributions:

Going forward, the exuberant attacking play of Messi and Neymar will continue to draw the most plaudits. But it’s no coincidence that with Suarez alongside them, both have looked better players.

That’s what makes this Barcelona attack so special. Not only are Suarez, Messi and Neymar so talented as individuals, they supplement each other so well, enriching the influence they all have on matches.

Arguably, Suarez’s willingness to do the dirty work, ruffle defenders and chase lost causes, something the other two typically avoid, makes him the most important prong.