FC Barcelona: Top 5 performers in Lionel Messi's absence

#1. Luis Suarez

The Uruguayan stepped up in time of need and carried the goalscoring responsibilities of the team

When Lionel Messi injured his arm during a 4-2 victory over Sevilla a few weeks ago, Barcelona needed another superstar to take on the goalscoring responsibilities in the absence of the Argentine maestro, and no one could have provided a better answer than Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez.

The former Liverpool superstar has proved that he is still the man for the crucial moments, stepping up when it mattered most and helping to tear down opposing defences with his incredible finishing skills and killer instincts.

With Messi watching from the stands, Suarez fired Barcelona to 3 straight victories (omitting the Sevilla and Cultura Leonesa games), bagging an unbelievable 5 goals in the process which include a fantastic hat-trick against bitter rivals Real Madrid and a brilliant brace against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.

Honourable Mentions: Sergio Busquets, Marc André Ter Stegen, Philippe Coutinho, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.