From the moment Luis Suarez’s signature graced the pages of his 5-year contract with FC Barcelona, fans have been anxiously anticipating the lift of his ban and his first touch of the ball in an official game, and, as luck would have it, that moment may grace the grounds of the Bernabeu during the first Clasico of the season. But with the pressure mounting the shoulders of the Uruguayan striker, will he be able to live up to the expectations that have already been set so high?

Suarez joined FC Barcelona halfway through the summer transfer season and was immediately targeted as the Catalan’s best new signing. Many believed that his recent controversy during the 2014 World Cup was going to overshadow the spectacular form that he ended his Liverpool career with, however, the opposite has actually been the case. His arrival at the club has restored the fans with a renewed sense of victory, and the knowledge that more titles are in Barcelona’s future.
The Golden Boot winner is an incredibly evolved striker. Never at any point during his time as a professional footballer has he scored less than ten goals in a season. Furthermore, Suarez has topped the goal scoring charts in both the Eredivisie and Premier Leagues with 35 goals in the 2009/10 season and 31 in the 2013/14 season, respectively, the latter of which tied him with Cristiano Ronaldo as the top European goal scorer.
Fortunately for Barcelona, the Uruguayan isn’t simply a striker. His tenacity for penetrating spaces, beating defenders, and creating goal-scoring chances will help him fall right into place within the Blaugrana front line. That, along with his speed and physical presence, will add a new dynamic that los cules are not normally known for.

Yet, with all of this talent at his disposal, Suarez’s true skills lie in his ability to play in any forward position and effectively hit the back of the net from almost any distance.
When all is said and done, Suarez, along with four-time Balon D’Oro winner Messi and Brazilian captain Neymar, will quickly be able to wreak havoc in the La Liga standings, and, possibly more important than winning the league, rival the attacking prowess of Real Madrid’s B.B.C. with a South American N.M.S.
Whatever the outcome, the acquisition of Luis Suarez, Barca’s new number 9, is a move the club, and its fans, will relish for years to come.

By: Edgar Mendoza