Barcelona‘s relentless winning run continued as coach Ernesto Valverde enjoyed a successful return to Athletic Bilbao, goals from Lionel Messi and Paulinho securing a 2-0 victory at San Mames on Saturday.

Here we look in-depth at the performance of Luis Suarez.

STATS

Goals – 0

Assists – 1

Shots – 6

Shots on target – 1

Touches – 41

Passes – 25

Key passes – 2

Dribbles – 2

Dispossessed – 0

Luis Suarez attempts a shot in the win over Athletic

EFFECTIVENESS

After the rest in midweek the Uruguayan looked better for it but he’s still seems off the pace.

There’s much debate surrounding his early season troubles, whether it be down to the presence of Messi further up the pitch, a hangover from his knee injury or simply as he nears 31 he’s past his best.

But there is something off with Suarez and his display against Athletic was further evidence.

In his defence, of his six shots in the game, his intelligent movement was a large reason the chances were created.

His finishing, though, is pretty inexcusable at the moment.

He had a golden opportunity to grab just his fourth – and what would have been a confidence boosting – goal in La Liga when Messi, who had to slow down before laying it off to him, played the 30-year-old clean through in the final minute only for his first-time shot to be too centered and lacking power.

Granted, Paulinho finished it off so no harm done but last season Suarez chews a chance like that up.

And it wasn’t in isolation as there were other chances missed.

He just looks out of rhythm and out of confidence but while you question his attacking impetus, you can’t doubt his desire.

His work defensively was ardent and relentless but right now he could do a better job as a right back rather than as forward.

Luis Suarez jinks past Aymeric Laporte

KEY MOMENTS

16th min SHOT: Barcelona clear their lines from the corner and turn defence into attack. Messi almost slides Suarez into a good position on the right flank, but the Uruguayan’s strike is blocked by Lekue for a corner.

33rd min SHOT: Alba breaks down the left inside channel and he cuts the ball back to Suarez on the edge of the box. He pulls the trigger on the half-volley, but the ball strikes Gomes and heads wide. The trajectory of the strike was going off target anyway.

42nd min CHANCE: Suarez smashes the ball with power towards the net, but Laporte sticks his head in the way to make the clearing header.

79th min CHANCE: Delightful chip over the top from Messi and Suarez sprints onto the ball in the left side of the box but he can’t make any sort of connection and it’s out for a goal kick.

92nd min ASSIST: Athletic commit men forward in search of an equaliser but the ball is cleared to Roberto who feeds Messi to sprint clear and he shifts it left for Suarez but his shot is parried to Paulinho to slot home.

VERDICT

It speaks volumes that Valverde’s biggest concern right now is Suarez’s form. At the San Mames he seemed just the off the pace and even at times off balance.

The 30-year-old needs a lift but overall his performance was an improvement on the previous, which just shows how much he’s struggled this season.

6/10

All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com