Veteran Uruguay forward Sebastian Abreu says those criticising his countryman Luis Suarez for not scoring enough goals for Barcelona are failing to notice the important role he plays as a provider for Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Suarez has scored just two goals from a total of 27 shots in 11 La Liga appearances for Barca since joining from Liverpool last summer, and he had another frustrating night in front of goal during last weekend's 4-0 win at Deportivo La Coruna.
However, the Uruguay international has managed an impressive seven assists from his limited playing time in the Spanish top flight, making him the most efficient provider of goals in the league with one every 125 minutes.
Former Deportivo striker Abreu told La Graderia of Cadena Ser in quotes picked up by Mundo Deportivo that Suarez's understanding with his Blaugrana teammates is the most important factor, and critics of his goals tally are just looking for something negative to say.
"I see Luis Suarez playing very well in the collective play, which is important, whether or not it is he who scores the goals," Abreu said. "Suarez is playing a direct role in nearly all the goals, and there is a very good understanding with Neymar and Messi, he is not anxious [about scoring himself]. Those who look for the fifth foot on the cat will say that Suarez is not scoring, but he is performing as he wants at Barca."
Abreu, now 38 and playing for Nacional in his home country, said his long-time international colleague's initial concern was how his game would fit with Barca's tiki-taka style of play.
"Suarez's concern was to adapt himself to a different style of play, with such set out positions, without as much freedom for disorder," he said.
However, such worries could now be forgotten given Barca's all-South American attacking trio had gelled so well together so quickly, according to Abreu.
"It is difficult to find a better 'trident' than Messi-Neymar-Suarez, because they have individual ability but collectively they also fit together," he added.