LUIS SUAREZ
ATLETICO MADRID GAMES: 36 GOALS: 21
Despite being one of the most illustrious strikers of his generation, few would have expected to see Luis Suarez’s name in the list of top strikers after his unceremonious exit from Barcelona at the end of last season. However, the Uruguayan veteran proved his critics wrong with 21 goals in 32 appearances for Atletico Madrid in La Liga. With important goals for his team throughout the season, including a decisive one against crosstown rival Real Madrid in the derby, Suarez led Atletico’s charge towards its rst La Liga title in seven years.
But it was a disappointing season for Suarez as far as the Champions League was concerned as he could not nd the net even once, but he nonetheless lit up the competition with his goalscoring prowess.
In his last season for Barcelona, Suarez scored 16 league goals in 28 appearances and another ve in the Champions League. In a widely debated decision, Barcelona decided to offload with his services at the end of the season in a move that left him feeling “disrespected.” With Atletico winning its rst La Liga title since 201314, it is poetic justice that Suarez, who was considered surplus to Barcelona’s requirements, led his new club to the trophy while the Catalan club dropped out of the title race as the teams headed into the last couple of rounds of matches.
It is safe to say that Suarez has put the Barcelona exit saga behind him as he lifted his fourth La Liga title.