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Luis Suarez’s big-money move to Barcelona is turning out to be a major talking point among the Camp Nou faithful and the larger football audience. Opinions could not be more varied with many sceptics accusing Barcelona of losing their values by signing such a controversial player. On the other hand, some are delighted with the Uruguayan’s arrival and are looking forward to a goal fest when he starts combining with Messi and Neymar.
Johan Cryuff has been a vocal critic of the transfer and feels the club is moving farther away from the style of play seen under Pep Guardiola and Frank Rijkaard. Indeed, Liverpool and the English Premier League will be all the poorer with the Uruguayan’s departure but many are not convinced that Liverpool’s loss is Barcelona’s gain. Let us take a closer look and see what he brings to the team.
A prolific striker and a team player
Inspite of all the controversies, no one can deny that Luis Suarez is one of the best players in the world right now. Only Ronaldo and Messi can claim to be more prolific in front of goal than him. His 31 goals helped Liverpool launch a legitimate title challenge after years in the wilderness. That, despite missing the first five matches of the season due to suspension.
Barcelona have been accused of being Messi-dependent and running out of ideas in the Argentine’s absence. In Suarez, they now have proven goalscorer who can lessen the burden on Messi and also lead the team from the front.He also brings a new dimension to the Barca attack which sometimes lacks the directness of a centre-forward with Messi’s tendency to drop deep to recieve the ball.
Unlike many other strikers, Suarez is also a team player and adept at creating opportunities for his team-mates. His partnership with Sturridge, where he played on the right to accommodate the striker is a testament to that. Sturridge’s upturn in form coincided with his growing partnership with the Uruguayan. The rise of Coutinho and Sterling also has much to do with the Uruguayan’s ability to make the team play. So, the tag of ‘individual’ might just be a bit harsh for the Uruguayan whose 9 assists for the Merseyside outfit was only bettered by his captain Steven Gerrard with 13.
Sharing the spotlight
Messi is always under enormous pressure with the media always putting him in the spotlight. The debate surrounding the ‘Greatest Player in the World’ tag only adds to the pressure which can have a negative impact on his performance. Nearly everbody seems to have an opinion on him and his every move is minutely discussed by the media.
Suarez himself is no stranger to the limelight. He is the king of controversy and his reputation will follow him to his new club. Many may view it as a negative thing but now all eyes will be on the Uruguayan and his transition into his new club. It will come a long way in relieving the pressure on Messi who will be grateful for some time off the spotlight after the World Cup where he was burdened with his nation’s expectation.
Free Flowing Attack
Many people have accused Barcelona of ditching their tiki-taka philosophy by signing Suarez and having a frontline of individuals with Messi, Neymar and Suarez all playing their best as the focal point of their team’s attack. Looking at it the other way, this can be seen as a marriage of the tiki-taka with the Jogo Bonito. A frontline of three free-flowing attackers all capable of the sublime and reminiscent of the Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho partnership of Brazil might just work.
The trio will be ably supported by the meticulous midfield consisting of Rakitic, Iniesta and Busquets. Barring the frontline, Barcelona still possess their tiki-taka identity in the midfield and defence. It would be stupid to discard something which has brought them immense success in the past. But the tiki-taka has become quite predictable and is in desperate need of innovations which must have been duly noted by their new coach Luis Enrique. Facing one of the aforementioned players is problem enough for any defence. So imagine the plight in facing all three at tandem!
With the Uruguayan serving his 4-month ban and ineligilble to play until late October, the debate might as well go on for a considerable time. Yet, what cannot be argued is that Barcelona have bought one of the best players in the world who is capable of single-handedly changing the complexion of a game. It is how they make use of his enormous talents that will decide whether the move pays off.
