Barcelona 2-1 Real Sociedad: 5 Talking Points

#4 Suarez flatters to deceive again

It was another frustrating evening's work for Suarez, who huffed and puffed despite creating chances

As one of the commentators remarked, you don't know what you're getting on a given night with Luis Suarez. At his best he can be fearsome, unfazed as he delivers a 9 or 10/10 performance. But as he continues to age, deals with troublesome injuries and gradually loses the same attributes that gave him a real edge over opposition defenders, it's clear he's also losing his consistency.

In terms of goals and overall contribution to the team, he's still up there and shines when they need him most. But individual displays, intricacies with regards to decision-making and the like, he does disappoint.

His 65.6% pass accuracy was a game-low for the hosts and despite creating one key pass, winning three aerial duels and completing two dribbles. There were more negatives than positives.

He was dispossessed on seven occasions and caught offside thrice. The former Liverpool player also missed a great opportunity after Messi's mazy run and clever pass. So perhaps the club planning for a long-term Suarez replacement isn't as far-fetched as it seems. In games against better oppositions, there's no guarantee he'll be afforded more chances than those he squandered in possession on this occasion. So although Barca won, he needs to improve or refine his overall game. At 32, is he really prepared to do that?