LaLiga 2018-19: 3 players who can be looked at as replacements for the declining Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez - frustrated after a disallowed goal
Luis Suarez - frustrated after a disallowed goal

Back when he arrived from Liverpool in 2014, Luis Suarez was a tremendous player known for his attacking prowess all over the world.

Since his arrival to Barcelona, Suarez has scored 125 goals in 151 appearances for the club. The Uruguayan striker was the greatest asset for the Catalans at one point of time.

But due to his advancing age, his goals have reduced, and his overall performances have declined. Surez's statistics for the club are on the downward trend, as is his shot conversion ratio.

In the long run, Barcelona would need a replacement for the striker position if they want to keep winning titles and maintain their standing in club football. Here is a list of three strikers who are strong contenders to replace Suarez:


#1 Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Giezmann was linked to a move to FC Barcelona in the last transfer window. Many believe he himself deserves a better club to fulfill his potential and win more trophies.

Griezmann is a player who is capable of earning many rewards in his career, and Barcelona can help him achieve ultimate success.

The Frenchman celebrating his goal in Russia 2018
The Frenchman celebrating his goal in Russia 2018

The young man debuted for Real Sociedad in 2009 in a pre-season campaign and has developed himself with every passing year. His performance at the FIFA World Cup 2018 was an amazing showcase of his potential; he scored 4 goals in 7 appearances for France in Russia and he even won bronze in the run for the 2018 Ballon d'Or.

Currently 27, Griezmann could be a good replacement for Barcelona for the next 4-5 years.

#2 Mauro Icardi

Icardi with Inter in 2018
Icardi with Inter in 2018

The 25-year-old Mauro Icardi, who has been playing for Inter Milan in Serie A since April 2013, is a fabulous contender to substitute for Suarez at Barcelona.

Icardi has trained in Barcelona's La Masia system, and so possesses some part of the Barça style. He can easily fit in the current squad.

Icardi is an active, quick, tactical and visionary player whose heat map covers mostly the penalty box. That playing style would allow him to score plenty of goals from the through passes supplied by the Catalan midfielders.

Icardi can both create chances and score goals with very few touches on the ball. The young man has a long career ahead of him, and some part of it must be spent at a club like FC Barcelona, which will bring him both fame and titles.

Icardi has currently scored a sum of 133 goals in his club career in 241 appearances, out of which 122 have been scored for Inter in 208 appearances. If he moves to LaLiga, Icardi will get to face more competitive teams as compared to those in Serie A which will, in turn, boost his confidence and play.


#3 Gabriel Jesus

Another strong contender for the position which will soon be vacated is Gabriel Jesus. The Brazillian centre-forward will be a good steal if Pep Guardiola lets him leave, which is admittedly unlikely at the moment.

It has been just three years since Jesus debuted with Palmeiras, and this man has already proved his worth to all football fans.

Jesus celebrating his signature move
Jesus celebrating his signature move

Jesus can play in multiple positions for the Catalan team. He can play as a left-winger along with Messi as striker and Dembele at the right flank. Or he can even play as the sole striker with Messi, Coutinho and Dembele to support him on both the wings.

Jesus is well-known for his pace and fantastic finishing, and would be a real asset to Barcelona if the move ever comes through.

Quick Links

Edited by Musab Abid