Paolo Suarez: What motivates my brother
Numerous theories have been mapped out to explain the unflinching desire to win of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, and the latest arrives from someone who knows the No.7 very well – his brother.
The Uruguayan's story began in Salto, where he learned his trade by participating in non-stop football on the streets of his hometown with Paolo and other siblings from a very young age.
Two decades on and Suarez is regarded among the greatest players currently operating in world football, with 25 goals this season firing Liverpool into second place in the Barclays Premier League.
His game is about more than just hitting the back of the net, though; the Uruguay international is a one-man wrecking ball of pressure, a constant nuisance to opposition defences, and a central focus for the Reds' attack.
The man himself recently expressed his hatred of losing as the reason for his unique will to succeed. Paolo, meanwhile, believes the desire stems from a need to prove his worth to those who doubt the striker.
"Luis likes when somebody writes him off, it's a great motivation," the 27-year-old's older brother explained to FourFourTwo magazine.
"We all Uruguayans feel that way, actually. Luis has a very quiet character. But when he enters the pitch, he is different.
"I've never met someone so eager to win in any situation, no matter if it's a training session, or a friendly game, the pre-season or post-season. He's always focused on scoring and winning."
This campaign has been an apotheosis of everything Suarez has worked towards since leaving his country to make a mark on the European football scene with a switch to Dutch side Groningen.
A quarter-century of strikes have the talisman atop the Premier League scoring charts, individual Player of the Month prizes have been aplenty and his team is thoroughly in the mix for success.
Paolo continued: "Luis is playing incredible football at Liverpool. I think the club suits him and equally he suits the club. His teammates are terrific, too.
"And he is getting the respect and praise he deserves from the rest of people. He's been chosen Player of the Month consecutively, and Liverpool are also winning crucial games.
"I like the fact that they're in a very Uruguayan situation. While everybody speaks about Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City, all losing points as soon as they get the lead, the truth is that Liverpool are always there, quite close, playing well, having solid performances, and I think they'll get the lead when the time is right."