Has Suarez’s Departure Hampered Barca’s Attacking Fortunes?

One of the biggest headlines of the summer transfer window was the transfer of Luiz Suarez from Barcelona to the Spanish Capital.

In many ways, what made the Uruguayan’s move erupt the media space was more of the manner of the move, and not necessarily the profile involved in the transfer.

After quitting Anfield in 2014 in search of greener pasture at Catalunya, the controversial marksman endured a difficult start to life in Spain, but quickly got into his stride and became a key man in the Blaugrana attack; not even the presence of two world class talents in Messi and Neymar could emasculate his relevance in the team.

The 2019/2020 season without a doubt remains one the Blaugrana will quickly hope to deflect to the mists of time, having finished the season empty handed and recording a grossly drubbing defeat which sent ripples all over the football world.

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It didn’t come as a surprise therefore when Dutchman, Ronald Koeman was brought in to replace Quique Setien whose 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich had raised too red a flag to be ignored.

Koeman’s arrival of course, was expected to come with changes all around, yet none could have predicted that the Dutchman’s first order of business would be to tell the talismanic Uruguayan to leave the club.

Having proven his mettle in the Eridivise, English Premier League and La Liga, few would have wagered against Suarez to find his shooting boots with Diego Simeone’s men; as expected, the former Ajax man has continued to demonstrate his class, ironically at a time when Barcelona’s frontmen are yet to find their shooting boots.

Koeman may have predicated his decision of sacking Suarez on developing emerging talents like Ansu Fati to shore up the Barcelona attack on a long term basis; but, should the Camp Nou outfit continue to fire amiss, could find out there would be no time for long term plans when the pink slip is issued, as Barcelona have already proven this unwillingness to play the long game with Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.

Barcelona currently sit 13th on the La Liga standings, fingertips away from relegation places. While it may be too early to rule out the La Liga giants, still begs the question, has Suarez’s departure emasculated the attacking strength of the Catalan giants?