Forwards & Defending

Forwards Who Defend

Luis Suarez might not be anyone's favorite, but he is a hard-working attacker when his team is out of possession.  Perhaps he's sorted it out that unless the team has the ball, he can't add to his goal-scoring tally!
(17 Goals in 24 Premier League Matches)



Here we see him in hot pursuit from his usual left-striker position chasing Bacary Sagna of Arsenal deep into his own half and the following stills show an outstanding example of how to tackle physically, cleanly, and retake possession.  This is a guy who gets it; he could level Sagna with a clean tackle and put the ball out over the touch line or end line, but he knows a couple things.  One, either results in a set piece which no self-respecting pro will concede unless it's the only option.  Two, he'll have to continue defending if he does so...and while he's good at it, one doubts he loves to do it.  Three, any tackle that doesn't result in re-taking possession may well be seen as a foul, as reckless.

Closing Sagna down...

Waiting for the long touch....

When Sagna tries to cut inside (or perhaps lets the ball get on his left foot, closest to Suarez - Sagna isn't a great dribbler) Suarez hits the gas...

He blasts Sagna with his shoulder (clean...so, please, "fans" stop hollering every time a kid hits the ground)...

And while Sagna stares pleadingly at the Assistant Referee, Suarez gleefully escapes with the ball and a chance to do what he does best (and loves the most)...attack.