SUAREZ’S SON DONS BORO SHIRT

Luis Suarez has been busy training up the next generation of footballing icons, namely his son Benjamin, but rather than sporting his dad's Barcelona team’s kit, he appears to favour a different side – Middlesbrough. Finishing 19th in the top-flight last season — winning just five times and scoring just 27 goals — Boro would have been more likely to lose them supporters than gain them.

Clearly though, Suarez junior, who also represents Barcelona in their Escola academy as well as Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi’s sons, liked something about the side or thought he could bring something to the now Championship play-off contenders as he appeared in a short glimpse of father Luis’ Instagram story practising in their garden wearing the Boro kit.

The youngster showed his quality, and notably some of the quality Boro could have done with last season, demonstrating his ability both between the sticks and in-front of goal as he pulls off a majestic save followed by a looping overhead kick. Like father, like son.

Meanwhile, Suarez senior has had an uncomfortable start to the season as he was forced out of Barcelona’s opening two league games but opened his account for the Catalan side in his return to the first-team against Espanyol. But has since struggled to find his usually lethal scoring boots.

The 30-year-old Uruguayan was absent on Tuesday night as his team-mates ran out 6-1 winners over Eibar as Lionel Messi netted four for the Catalan side. But while Suarez’s current form may be in question, one thing is certain. Middlesbrough’s academy should have their eyes set on the next Suarez generation.