Braithwaite finding inspiration in Messi and glad Luis Suárez is back to full fitness
Danish striker Martin Braithwaite says he has learned so much from Lionel Messi and now he hopes to make the most of playing alongside Luis Suárez.
Lionel Messi inspires his Barcelona team mates and has personally helped Martin Braithwaite, says the Danish striker, who is also looking forward to playing alongside Luis Suárez - even if the Uruguayan's return means that first-team opportunities will now be harder to come by.
Braithwaite joined Barcelona in February after the club were granted special dispensation to sign a player outside of the transfer window, as Suárez and Ousmane Dembélé had suffered long-term injuries. Although many questioned why Barça were allowed to make such a signing given they had let two young forwards depart in January, Braithwaite joined and made a positive start prior to the coronavirus-enforced suspension.
Luis Suárez recovered
The three-month pause, which will stop this week when LaLiga resumes, has allowed for Suárez to recover from his knee injury and be declared fit.
And although Suárez's presence will likely impact on how much playing time Braithwaite will get, the Denmark international is relishing learning from him, as he has from Messi. Speaking to Goal about how his opinion of Messi had been altered after playing with him, the former Leganés forward said: "It changes a lot, of course. He gives so much confidence to the team because he can make the difference and also helped me personally to be a better player with his advice and how he sees football. He is really an inspiration."
With respect to Suárez's return potentially restricting his own time on the pitch, Braithwaite added: "Honestly, I don't think in that kind of way. I am so happy that Luis is back because when I came here he was injured and I haven't played with him. I want to learn from him, he is one of the best strikers in the world and I am happy he is back."
Barcelona, who are two points clear of Real Madrid ahead of the resumption, get their season back under way on Saturday away to Mallorca.