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UCL 2019-20 Talking Points: Is Luis Suarez still one of the world’s best strikers?

Published at :October 3, 2019 at 8:43 AM
Modified at :October 4, 2019 at 10:34 PM
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The Uruguayan scored a brace to hand the LaLiga champions a comeback.

In one of the most awaited games of the UEFA Champions League 2019-2020 Group stages, FC Barcelona took on Inter Milan, with the Catalans coming out on top, winning by two goals to one.

A spectacular brace from Luis Suarez meant that the pressure on manager Ernesto Valverde was alleviated, at least for the moment. 

We at Khel Now take you through the top five talking points from this highly entertaining group stage game.

5. Did Junior Firpo’s injury disturb the organization of the Barca backline?

Barcelona’s left-back Junior Firpo pulled up in warmup with a hamstring problem. The injury that first choice Jordi Alba sustained on Matchday 1 of the Champions League meant that Nelson Semedo, a right-back, had to fill in on the opposite side of the back four. Semedo often found himself drifting infield, leaving wide open spaces for the likes of Alexis Sanchez to exploit in the first half.

The Portuguese player also struggled a little going forward, having to cut back onto his right foot every time he found space in the opposition half, thereby allowing the highly experienced Inter backline to get their shape back.

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4. Was Romelu Lukaku’s absence a blessing in disguise for Inter?

Romelu Lukaku missed his side’s clash against Barcelona after picking up a thigh injury. While the Belgian is one of the most lethal strikers in the world, a young Lautaro Martinez performed admirably in his partner's absence. Lukaku, while being a very physical individual, is not blessed with raw pace that can get him in behind opposition defences. 

At 32, Gerard Pique did not have the legs to keep up with the pacey Martinez and often found himself dependent on his centre back partner, Lenglet to mop up after him. However, the Frenchman lost out to the 22-year-old for the first goal, putting his side on the back foot very early on in the game.

3. Did Arturo Vidal’s introduction open up the game?

Sergio Busquets was hauled off the pitch in the 52nd minute to be replaced by Arturo Vidal. The highly experienced Chilean moved into Frenkie De Jong’s position, allowing the Dutchman to slip into the heart of midfield and have a more dictatorial impact on proceedings. As soon as Vidal came onto the pitch, the Catalans found themselves on the front foot and in possession more often than not. 

The Chilean’s introduction was soon followed by Luis Suarez sumptuously volleying Barca equaliser, which he assisted.

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2. Is Luis Suarez still one of the world’s best strikers?

A lot has been said about Luis Suarez in recent months but the Uruguayan went some way towards silencing his critics against Inter Milan. While he was largely anonymous in the first half, Suarez came to life when the game began to open up. The striker first found himself on the edge of the area, latching onto a looping ball and volleying into the back of the Inter net. The second goal was of similar quality, dinking the ball past the defender before finishing with the calmness of a striker at the peak of his powers. 

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1. Did fatigue catch up to Inter Milan in the second half?

In the first half, Antonio Conte’s plan worked a treat. Barcelona’s illustrious attach hardly had a sniff in. To a spectator, the formation was clear. Three at the back, with Brozovic dropping back while the side was out of possession.

However, the hardworking Italians were punished in the second half when a few tired legs started to appear around the pitch. The formation became less defined and as a result, the quality of the Barcelona players shone through.

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