Luis Suarez marks the way for Barcelona ahead of Rayo clash
He has seven goals after his hat-trick against Real Madrid last week
Luis Suarez has lived with criticism through his career. Nothing strange for a player who puts himself out there without fear, who hides nothing, who faces failure in every play. In his case, when errors add up, he puts even more faith in changing the situation. That’s how he plays, fighting against adversity.
“I’m 31, it’s normal that Barca look for a No 9,” said Suarez in an interview with Uruguay Sport 890 radio, after being asked about the club going for Antoine Griezmann.
They didn’t get him and Suarez started the season, slow-cooking. Far from his best and with some knee trouble.
“Obviously I was going to be slow and fat in the Super Cup if I came from a month’s holiday after the World Cup.”
Feelings that have changed in the last weeks. Above all in the Clasico where Suarez was brilliant, scoring a hat-trick. His most exuberant self. Influencing the play and menacing Sergio Ramos.
Suarez needed a performance like that. Against a team like Madrid. Although it had been coming. He didn’t score against Tottenham or Inter Milan but he played well.
“In the last few games, scoring three against Madrid, I’ve been feeling comfortable in the sense that I have been helping the team and that makes me feel good.”
Without Messi his influence has grown and he took a step forward in leadership stakes.
His next challenge is the Champions League, where he has not scored yet this season, but he has 7 in La Liga, the same as Messi.
He went six games without coring in all competitions but netted a penalty against Sevilla and then shot down Madrid.
The hat-trick had it all. Cold blood from 12 yards. A hammer of a header for the second. And a neat dink with his foot to loft it over Courtois. After resting in the cup, he will lead the team against Rayo. He’s scored three in three against them as well as getting one assist.
If he scores at Vallecas he will make it to 160 goals in 213 games. Nobody doubts what Suarez’s attitude will be, even against little Rayo. He doesn’t care about the opponent, just just goes out to give all he’s got.
