Valencia ace Maxi Gomez is being backed to be the next great Uruguayan striker.

Juan Tejera gave Maxi his debut with Defensor Sporting.

He said, "He's on the path of being the successor to the two footballing monsters who make so much difference.

"We ask ourselves why so good players come from here who make the difference in Europe, it's something special to Uruguay, who never bend to adversity, lower their weapons, always work to improve and Maxi is doing that," he told Valencia's website.

"He's on the way there, Luis (Suarez) and Edinson (Cavani) are getting on and if Maxi can maintain his level, his moment will arrive."