Luis Suarez and Neymar's Barcelona challenge (2.0) is about to begin
Toni Juanmarti
They managed to cover for the injured Lionel Messi last season and that is their job once again
The trident becomes a tandem during the next few weeks, but it shouldn’t worry Barcelona fans. Without Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar showed last season they have the quality to lead the team, even if the best player in the world is not there. Their quality, leadership, character and goal power should make the difference for Barcelona in the next few games.
Without Messi, Barcelona play three games. Sporting Gijon, Borussia Monchengladbach and Celta Vigo, all away. If things go to schedule Messi should return after the international break to play Deportivo, with the objective of reaching peak fitness against Man City.
Last year the Argentine missed 11 games, and while the team lost to Sevilla, they recorded 10 wins in the other games, one in the cup, three in the Champions League and six in La Liga. A large part of that was Neymar and Suarez, who scored 18 of the 19 league goals netted by Barcelona in this period. 11 goals and 7 assists for Neymar in all competitions, 11 and 4 for Suarez.
Messi’s absence could also provoke a change in the system used by Luis Enrique, from a 4-3-3 to a 4-4-2. A lot depends on the performance of Arda Turan.
