Rayo Vallecano defender Sueliton Pereira has hailed compatriot Leo Baptistao and says he will be a major success in La Liga this season.
Baptistao made his debut in the second game of the season, a 2-1 triumph at Real Betis where he made one goal and scored the winner, and Sueliton insists he will be one of the main figures in Spanish football this season.
“Leo is a good friend of mine, a kid who is just starting out on his professional career, but he is going to be a success and will be a strong player in Spain,” he told the club’s official website.
Los Franjirrojos have made an excellent start to the campaign and sit fourth in the table, something the Brazilian, who did not feature last term, puts down to new boss Paco Jemez.
“The team is doing well thanks to the new boss but top-flight safety is the number one objective. My aim is to get more playing time and help Rayo this year, but mostly I am thinking of the group, which is the most important thing.
“I’m now integrated within the squad and have an incredible feeling. With being happy my situation is much better and I want to train hard,” explained Sueliton, who acknowledged the next La Liga fixture against Atletico Madrid will be very difficult.
“We know it’s always tough to play against an Atletico or a Real [Madrid] but the thing we can do is work hard to get something.
“The best thing about Rayo is the team’s courage. We are a very close-knit group that feels good and is strong.”
