Suarez: Style over substance?

The Barcelona revolution under Luis Enrique is already well under way. The club had gone stale last season and needed a shake-up – it’s been out with the old and in with the new. Household names Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes and Cesc Fabregas have left and Xavi Hernandez looks to be on his way out too.

In have come Ivan Rakitic, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, but the next arrival could be the biggest yet.

Prior to the biting incident the rumours had been gathering pace that Luis Suarez was on his way out of Liverpool to Spain, with one of the big two his destination. It has become clear that Barcelona are keen on the move and the player likewise. The Uruguayan’s behaviour has complicated the deal somewhat but the club's insistence on an apology, and the player duly obliging, point towards an imminent deal.

His apology saves the Barca’s face a little, with the Catalans having a strong moralistic philosophy about playing the game the right way. The forward’s antics go completely against the club's beliefs but with an apology the deal can proceed and Barca can even bargain for a lower price.

There is no doubt that the 27-year-old is a world class talent, possibly the best on last season's form, but will he fit in at Barca? Is he what the club really need at this moment in time? The addition of Suarez would make the Barcelona front line potentially one of the best in the history of the game. Entertainment would be guaranteed as would plenty of goals.

With Lionel Messi and Neymar preferring a free-roaming No. 10 role, the question must be asked as to how Barca will fit in another player who wants to do the same thing. Each likes to be the focal point of the team, to take centre stage with the team’s play going through them. Keeping the trio happy will be a challenge.

The other options at Barca’s disposal have to be taken into account. Pedro and Alexis Sanchez will not be content to play second fiddle all season, although the word is that Alexis is heading for the exit door.

The signings so far outline an attacking approach, trying to outscore the opposition, and although Barca have moved to deal with the goalkeeping situation, the problems at centre-back have thus far been neglected. Two centre-backs were arguably needed, with Puyol saying goodbye, Javier Mascherano out of position and Gerard Pique out of sorts.

The signing of Suarez is certainly a statement to the rest of the world, reminding everyone that Barca haven’t gone away after last season’s disappointments. However, it’s hard not to feel that there are more pressing concerns to address. But style over substance has apparently been preferred.

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