The Valencia man has been in superior form this campaign and is second on the La Liga scoring charts. Sunday night’s clash top-of-the table clash against Barcelona was an opportunity for him to make a statement against the league leaders – and for Suarez, a chance to finally rediscover his best.
In the end, neither really happened, as a controversial 1-1 draw in which Lionel Messi had a perfectly good goal disallowed because the officials hadn’t spotted the ball crossing the goalline saw Zaza put in an excellent shift but miss a glorious chance to win the game right at the death, while Suarez endured another frustrating evening.
Here’s a look at how both players fared.
BASIC STATS
Zaza
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 3
Shots on target – 0
Touches – 33
Pass Accuracy – 58%
Key Passes – 1
Dribbles – 0
OK, is Simone Zaza a striker or a defensive midfielder? The guy is literally everywhere now, working his socks off!
— Jonas Giæver (@CheGiaevara) November 26, 2017
Suarez
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 2
Shots on target – 2
Touches – 39
Pass Accuracy – 71%
Key Passes – 1
Dribbles – 0
Also, Suarez being offside for 80% of the game is another sign of his deteriorating physique. Can't beat defenders in a foot race, so he's always a step ahead. Barca continue to need much more from him than they're getting.
— Jen Evelyn (@JenFCB) November 26, 2017
EFFECTIVENESS
Zaza
Zaza did everything but score on Sunday – and he had his chances to do that, too.
But while his finishing let him down, his movement was still threatening, and his work rate was especially impressive – on multiple occasions, Zaza could be found inside his own half to snuff out Barcelona attacks.
When it’s not a striker’s day in front of goal, that sort of effort means he’ll endear himself to fans anyway.
Suarez
It was another frustrating game for the star striker.
He had his moments, and forced a couple of good saves out of Valencia keeper Neto, but he spent more time arguing with the referee than he did making an actual impact on the game.
Suarez was caught offside way too often, a testament to Valencia’s defending but also an indication that the timing of his runs is still off.
Luis Suarez (L) battles for the ball with Valencia’s Ezequiel Garay
KEY MOMENTS
Zaza
42nd min, CHANCE: Valencia launched a quick counterattack that spanned the length of the pitch, with the ball finally coming to Zaza. He just slipped slightly as he took the shot, which bounced off of Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo.
50th min, SHOT: It seemed like the moment for Zaza to get on the scoresheet. The ball was cut back to him at the edge of the area, teed up perfectly for the Italian to get a shot away. Zaza’s strike went through Thomas Vermaelen’s legs but just wide of the post.
90th min, SHOT: It was set up for Zaza to win it. After Barcelona nearly got the winner, Valencia went the length of the pitch with a lightning-quick counter which found Zaza in acres of space in the box. The height and pace of the cross into him meant he needed to attempt a difficult volley, but he would have backed himself to score it on most occasions. This time, however, his effort bounced into the ground and just over the bar.
Simone Zaza attempts to tackle Samuel Umtiti
Suarez
42nd min, SHOT: The Barcelona striker beat his man to go clean through on goal, and it seemed like this was about to be a classic Suarez goal. Neto covered the angle, however, giving Suarez little to shoot at and ultimately making the save.
76th min, SHOT: Suarez pounced on an error as Valencia’s defenders failed to clear a high ball. He hit a fierce shot on the turn, and it would have been a fantastic goal, but the strike was a little too close to the keeper, with Neto making a relatively comfortable save.
90th min, CHANCE: Suarez nearly turned provider right at the death, slipping the ball into the box from the edge of the area. Somehow, no one was able to get onto the end of his pass – it would have been a certain goal had there been anyone to receive it.
Suárez has the best ever 'that was definitely a goal' pose pic.twitter.com/LDnhGTZIWq
— AS English (@English_AS) November 26, 2017
VERDICT
Zaza
Missed a glorious chance to grab a dramatic winner, and it would have been a fitting end to Zaza’s performance on the night.
The Italian showed his hunger and desire throughout the game, not to mention his usual pace and intelligent movement.
All his display lacked was a goal – and he’ll be sorely disappointed not to have gotten it.
RATING: 7/10
Suarez
On this evidence, Suarez is still a little ways off his best.
The Uruguayan endured another frustrating afternoon, mistiming his runs and seeing the few chances he had saved by Valencia keeper Neto.
Barcelona probably should have won anyway, given they had a clear goal disallowed, but it wouldn’t have mattered if Suarez had performed better.
If there were a striker anywhere near Suarez’s calibre in the squad, the 30-year-old’s place in the starting XI would be in danger.
RATING: 5/10
