Luis Suarez always returns to form for FC Barcelona
As in previous seasons, the Uruguayan's form has improved across the course of the campaign and he enters the Super Cup at his best
When it comes to Luis Suárez, there are plenty of times when you need to count to 10 in order not to lose your patience. Quite often he runs into poor form and just as the level of criticism increases, he finds his best form and leads the team to glory. His first touch, clinical nature and determination set him apart from the rest.
"He's Messi's friend, the violinist, and at his side, Suarez plays the drums without any fear in the world," Valdano said. "He can lose possession five times, give away three fouls and miss two clear opportunities but all these errors can then be immediately evaporated."
Suarez always scores goals and that's why he's the fourth-top scorer in Barça's history. However, he's still often faced criticism from certain quarters.
Suarez finds it tough to find his feet at the start of the season, turns 33 this month and hasn't scored away from home in the Champions League since 2015. All of which are reasons why speculation continues to surround his future. Yet when he misses a chance to score, Suarez is only thinking about the next opportunity. After an irregular start, the Uruguayan is hitting top form.
Suarez has been involved in Barça's last 10 goals: he's scored four and assisted six (2 to Messi, 2 to Griezmann and 2 to Arturo Vidal).
Suarez also assisted Ansu Fati in the Champions League (vs Inter). In total, he's got 14 goals this season (11 in LaLiga, 3 in the Champions League) and is only one off Lionel Messi's total. Suarez has 191 Barça goals to his name and is only three behind the legendary Ladislao Kubala (194). Once ahead of Kubala, the only two players in Barça history with more goals will be César Rodríguez (232) and, of course, Messi (618).
"The numbers speak for themselves. It's normal that you go through tough spells but stats are what make me feel really proud," Suarez recently told SPORT. Despite knowing the club is on the look out for a younger striker, Suarez doesn't want to leave and believes he is capable of performing at the highest level.
"I'm very happy at the club. I've always given my best. The stats and numbers prove that. I believe I'm at this level and when it comes time to talk, we'll reach a happy medium." Suarez's current deal expires in 2021.
The Uruguayan added a goal and assist in the derby against Espanyol and is looking forward to taking part in the reformatted Spanish Super Cup.
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