Lautaro? The new ST will face tough job benching Suarez -

Among the top 5% FWs for NP Goals (0.67 per 90′). Best forward for assists per 90′ (0.47), directly involved in 1.14 Barça goals in Liga per 90′. Talks over Lautaro or Werner shouldn’t hide the fact that before the injury Suarez was having a really good season.

An improvement that comes at a time where his decline seemed inevitable. After a tough 18/19 season, Suarez is showing the second highest goal involvement per 90. Furthermore, since he’s been playing in Liga and the highest number of assists per 90′.

He’s not as dynamic as he used to be. He doesn’t guarantee the same intensity anymore. The days of the 20+ sprints between or behind the opponent’s lines are gone. But inside and around the penalty area Suarez is still one of the most dangerous forwards in the world.

The signing of Lautaro would compensate for Suarez’s decreased pressing contribution (no. of pressures down 16% YoY, press. success rate down from 28% to 23%). Moreover, it will bring in a player that well fits with Barça’s playing style. But LS is showing us that he can still be an asset.

With Lautaro as the backup for Suarez, Barcelona would make Leo happy. However, they will also secure one of the best talents of the next generation.

LM’s ability with the ball is matched with an above average effectiveness without the ball, making him the perfect replacement for Luis Suarez.