El Clasico: 5 Barcelona players who will be key figures 

#2 Luis Suarez

El Pistolero was brilliant in the second half against Sevilla

The last El Clasico that Barcelona played without Messi was the 4-0 rout at Bernabeu. The decisive factor in that match was Andres Iniesta, without a doubt, but Luis Suarez was on target twice in the game. He combined with Neymar during Messi’s absence in 2014 with the pair scoring 15 of the 17 Barcelona goals.

On Sunday’s Clasico, the Azulgranas will hope for an inception of a similar strike partnership between Coutinho and Suarez. Suarez assisted the last two goals for Lionel Messi in LaLiga and his dummies were perfect for Lionel Messi to tuck the two goals against Tottenham.

The Uruguayan has to play a similar role with Phillipe Coutinho, picking the perfect pass for Coutinho to hammer home. Suarez sure seems like he is out of form, but he is finding form at the right time.

Suarez was absolutely lethal during the second half against Sevilla, even hitting a top speed of 33kmph. In the El Clasico last season, he scored in Barcelona’s 3-0 win at Bernabeu. He also scored and assisted Messi in the 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou. Suarez always catches fire when he sees white shirts in front of him.

Many people have been calling for the replacement of Luis Suarez. But with all due respects of everyone’s opinion, Luis Suarez is a lethal striker. Not only is he a proven finisher, but he is also a workhorse. He runs all around the field in search of the ball. He plays in terrific passes and he can dummy out of nowhere.

The dummy is a very sophisticated skill and Suarez does it perfectly. This Sunday, Suarez will be Barcelona’s lead striker and Barcelona will look for him to score along with Coutinho. On his day he can cause troubles for any defence in the world, Real Madrid would pray that day is not Sunday.