How Luis Suarez fits in Barcelona's attacking approach

It may have felt like an eternity, but one of the world's most talented and controversial football stars will finally put on a Barcelona kit and take the field for the season’s first El Clasico.

It’s been four months since Luis Suarez last appeared in a competitive match, when he represented Uruguay at the World Cup. He had his dreams dashed in the tournament when he senselessly chomped down on Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder, and he's been serving a ban ever since. 

The harshest punishment in FIFA history has now concluded - though Suarez continues to be banned from representing Uruguay outside of friendlies - so attention can now turn towards the pitch, and how the supremely gifted striker will fit into the elite Barcelona attacking scheme.

While plugging Suarez into any attack will have its benefits, his inclusion in Barcelona’s plans could present a significant challenge for manager Luis Enrique.

Barcelona already possess a pair of the world’s most prolific football talents in Lionel Messi and Neymar, with the partnership proving successful in its short time together. With the third piece of the lethal South American trinity set to emerge Saturday, Enrique’s men will be tasked with employing an effective plan of attack ahead of their La Liga clash with Real Madrid.

Enrique confirmed Suarez’s participation in the match Friday, though it’s unknown if he'll be a starter or substitute.

Neither Neymar nor Messi are programmed to attack in the same manner Suarez did at both Ajax and Liverpool, as both players have shown a greater desire to create opportunities for those around them.

While Suarez has exhibited his capability as a provider, his primary objective for Barcelona will be finding the back of the net.

Speculation about formations between the three players is a tricky proposition as each is capable of playing multiple attacking positions that yield positive results.

Saturday’s match tactics shouldn't be too big an adjustment for members of the squad; Suarez has had ample time to acclimate himself with his new teammates during multiple training sessions since arriving at the Camp Nou in the summer. He’s also appeared in a pair of Barcelona B games and Uruguayan friendlies, where his scoring prowess showed no sign of decline.

Cohesion between the three will be more important to their success than the alignment Enrique utilizes. Messi, Neymar and Suarez will have to be aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to exploit the world’s top defenders. 

Messi’s resourcefulness under pressure and ability to uncover impossible defensive gaps with the threat of Neymar’s killer instinct, speed and finesse on the left and Suarez on the right pose a hazard few defences are capable of breaking down.

The most likely alignment will see Suarez take over Pedro’s position on the right of Messi while Neymar patrols the left attacking position. It’s a formation Enrique has employed throughout the season with success and would see Suarez and Neymar cutting into attacking positions, giving Messi multiple options when Barcelona flood their opponent's area. This tactic would also be a fluid one since Suarez and Neymar could easily swap positions during any given match.

However, a scenario that could benefit the trio might be starting Messi in a central midfield role behind Suarez and Neymar, as the Argentine superstar supplies and prowls from a higher role. The alignment likely wouldn't last the entire match since multiple variations throughout the match with the three cycling in and out of positions.

It's not a problem to cause headaches for Enrique and his coaching staff once the goals begin to pour in. Suarez's talents, on an already deep roster, will carry Barcelona to countless victories and increase their chances for silverware.