Griezmann vs Suarez vs Rodriguez - Who is La Liga's best signing of the summer?

Who will make the biggest impact in the La Liga?

Though cash rich Real Madrid and Barcelona believed in the theory of paying “astronomical figures to buy a player” to achieve instant success, they were in for a huge surprise at the end of last season. An unprecedented final day result pulled off by an underdog Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou ensured that the La Liga title ended up at Vicente Calderon, a place where not many experts or critics had predicted the title going.

Real Madrid fulfilled the dream of bringing home the La Decima, but it proved to be a soul searching season at Camp Nou where the Catalan giants were beaten on all fronts, domestically as well as in Europe. The two giants responded to the challenge issued by the highly talented and exciting Diego Simeone by doing what they are known best for – spending and spending big.

Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez, arguably two of the hottest talents in the world right now have moved to Spain for figures reported to be £75 million and £63 million respectively. Both moves have setup mouthwatering attacks that should ideally catapult both the sides to the top of the league.

Atletico Madrid in the meanwhile have fallen prey to bigger vultures that have swooped in for players that were excellent throughout the last season, something that the Atletico faithful have been used to by this point of time. However, they have brought in Antoine Griezmann, a potential superstar who had a stellar season at Real Sociedad for £24 million, a figure that looks cheap when compared to the other two.

All the three are major signings, but who will have the biggest impact?

Statistical comparison

When making this comparison, it is known that all three operate at different positions but we are looking at different facets of their game that will benefit their respective teams. Suarez will most likely line up centrally alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, Rodriguez might end up deeper due to the presence of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale whereas the two footed Griezmann will slot into the winger’s role, a position that allows both him and Turan to switch and create problems for the defense.

Statistical comparison between the three

All three have been deployed in different positions last season. Suarez played up front for Liverpool, Rodriguez dropped to a deeper role at Monaco while Griezmann had a free role of either functioning as a right winger or playing behind the striker. In terms of goals scored, Suarez netted a record breaking 31 goals which won him major plaudits in the Premier League. Griezmann netted 16 goals as compared to the 9 scored by Rodriguez, a healthy return for a winger wherein he also managed to score against the big two and in pressure situations.

In terms of key assists and chances created Suarez and Rodriguez go toe-to-toe in these stats as both have contributed directly to their team’s fortunes. In terms of successful take-ons Suarez comes out top among the three. Griezmann on the other hand is way below in these numbers, and that would be something that Simeone would definitely want to be upped when he plays next season.

(Statistics courtesy www.Squawka.com)

How will they fit into the teams?

After last season’s debacle it was clear that Barcelona would always purchase a ‘Number 9’, a position which Luis Enrique considers an important one when setting up his team. Having played in a fluid front three and as part of the two striker combination, Suarez will most probably make a seamless transition in Catalunya as a direct replacement for Alexis Sanchez and being their focal point in attack.

He along with Messi and Neymar are also capable of playing free flowing football and switching positions regularly, much needed in case of a ‘False 9’ setup. His ability to play either the tiki taka or a direct style of play would bode well with Enrique.

Rodriguez’s transfer to Real is more on the back of a stupendous World Cup showing, in which he scored goals and also was the heartbeat of the impressive Colombian team. With the plethora of talent available at Ancelotti’s disposal, the transfer of the midfielder is reminiscent of the days of the Galacticos.

Last year’s successful formation of 4-3-3 will have to be broken down to accommodate the youngster in a deep lying role or Benzema will have to play second fiddle to him if he is slotted in as a ‘False 9’ if Ancelotti decides to retain his Champions league winning strategy. However, with Toni Kroos also coming in, it provides a huge number of options (also a nightmare) to Ancelotti on how to build his side with so many attacking talents.

The signing of Griezmann has gone under the radar as the La Liga has witnessed a lot of ins and outs in this transfer window. He might not be of ‘Galactico’ status like Suarez or Rodriguez but he represents better value for money considering his potential and age. Unlike Rodriguez, the winger will slot directly into the first team as he is capable of operating on either flank or behind the striker.

He is extremely quick, can create as well as finish goals and also is technically astute enough to play in a number of positions. Unlike the other two, the Frenchman does not need time to adapt to the league or culture (he has lived in Spain since the age of 13) and he has the added advantage of the possibility of blossoming into a superstar under the stewardship of Simeone.

4-2-3-1 formation with Griezmann behind the striker

Suarez comes out the winner

Based on the current form and performances at club level, Suarez will most likely be having a bigger impact than the other two. He has scored and created more chances than Rodriguez and Griezmann and his all-around ability to impact games will feed the new era at Barcelona.

Griezmann would also be having a big impact on the fortunes of Atletico Madrid but if there is any criticism against him it would be his inconsistency in performances. There were times last season where his decision making was in questoin. If Simeone can work on this aspect he would definitely prove to be a huge success at Atletico.

Florentino Pérez enjoys being in the limelight, the summer transfer window and center stage presentations which are probably a factor in the luxury buy of Rodriguez. More than 100 goals were scored by Real Madrid last term and it was not the reason why they lost the League. The jury will definitely be out on Rodriguez if he is unable to reach the dizzying heights he did at the World Cup.

Last summer it was Madrid who won the transfer window with the signing of Bale. However, from the signs it seems like Barcelona have definitely had the last laugh this time around.