Luis Suarez proved why Barcelona forked out +94 million to sign him by scoring both goals in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Manchester City, says former Camp Nou forward Patrick Kluivert.The Uruguayan had been criticised for netting just seven times this season but he silenced his doubters with aplomb at the Etihad Stadium by striking twice in the first half to give the Catalans a cushion for the Champions League last-16 second leg next month.
Kluivert, who spent six years at Barca from 1998 until 2004, thinks that the former Liverpool and Ajax frontman’s knack of being in the right place at the right time is no coincidence.
“Suarez is there when he needs to be there,” he told Goal at Heineken’s #ChampiontheMatch event. “And that’s why Barcelona bought him. He shows that he has a lot of quality.
“Despite receiving the ball with a bit of luck for the opener, he scored the effort with consummate ease.
“The second goal was the culmination of a great attack. He waited for the right moment and finished very well.”
Luis Enrique’s side now have one foot in the quarter-finals ahead of the March 18 return at Camp Nou, where Man City must score at least twice, and Kluivert suggested Barca are up there among the tournament’s favourites.
“Several teams in the Champions League are impressive,” the Dutchman added. “Of course there’s Bayern Munich, who are not only very strong in the Bundesliga but also in the Champions League.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona are also excellent. Barca dominated the game at the Etihad. It’s nice to see how they play. They’re one of the favourites, for sure. Just like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“Chelsea are a good outsider, but they need a good result at home against Paris Saint-Germain, which won’t be easy.”