Tactical Theory: How to coach the movement of Luis Suárez – tactical analysis

For over a decade, Luis Suárez has been one of the most prolific forwards in world football. Many remember his heroics for Liverpool. He was instrumental in Brendan Rodgerss side that came all so close to winning the Premier League 2013-14, scoring 31 league goals that season. The South American then went on to score almost 200 goals in six seasons with Barcelona. It was there that he formed the formidable trio beside Messi and Neymar.

In Saurezs most recent season, at 36 years old, he scored 26 goals for Grêmio in Brazils Serie A. He led his side to a second-placed finish in the league as top scorer in the division. He was also awarded the Bola de Ouro as the leagues best player.

This tactical analysis will analyse the goals and movement of Luis Suárez when scoring for his most recent club, Grêmio. This tactical theory will offer analysis and suggestions on how coaches can work on Suárezs movement and tactics with their own players.

Receiving in-behind

The above image shows the build-up to what many will consider a typical Suárez goal- darting onto a slide-rule ball inside the box followed by a deft finish. Suárezs football intelligence, especially in these moments, is what makes him so dangerous in and around the box.

In this scenario, the ball has just been played from a free-kick into his winger, who dribbles towards the opposition full-back. As defenders shift across the pitch to cover each other, Suárez stands still. This results in him being left alone between two defenders.