Barcelona was once defined by their midfielders, but they've had to change their tactics based on adjustments opponents have made over the years.

“There were new signings, a new coach,” says Sergio Busquets. “Also, at first under (Pep) Guardiola, teams didn’t give us so much respect; they played openly. Now 95% of them wait, shut down, and counter-attack. It’s more difficult to play one-touch [so the new style] is partly a reaction to other teams. It’s a mix now. Team-mates are not as close to me, which has advantages and disadvantages. There’s more space and a lot more counter-attacks. We have players that can change the game. Messi, Neymar, Suárez …

“Luis [Suárez] embodies the shift. He gives us a lot. The numbers [of goals] are not the same as at Liverpool but Barça play differently. Our reference is Leo, we know that and players arriving here know that. Luis has given us much more power: the difference is very noticeable and he’s a big reason why Neymar and Messi are playing so well – not just them, the whole team.”

Suárez is the Busquets of the forward line then, working for others.

“Well,” Busquets says, “there’s something in that, I suppose. I’m sure Luis is happy. Outside voices might say ‘Suárez has to score more’, but I don’t care about that if he works like he is, defensively and offensively, his movement is good, he creates spaces and the team scores.”