Barcelona's New Middle Force, Denis Suarez

Barcelona have had a complicated start to the 2016-17 campaign. They are currently in fourth place, losing two of their seven matches, raising questions on what changes coach Luis Enrique will make.

The injury of Lionel Messi has forced Enrique to count on new players for results. This new reliance has therefore displayed tactical confusion within the star studded squad. The excessive rotation of players has not collectively favored Barcelona, but it has shed light on new talents, particularly on transfer Denis Suarez.

Suarez is a returning playing that was a part of the Barcelona B team before joining Villarreal in 2015. The 22-year-old proved his potential last season, showing outstanding technique, passing and vision. This season he has appeared in eight matches and has contributed with two assists. His style of play has shown resemblance with that of Andres Iniesta’s, who the world calls “El Maestro”. Suarez possesses that same architectural effect, something that midfielders of Barcelona have historically been known for. (ESPNFC)

As Iniesta approaches an exit to his glorious football career, due to the injuries endured by longevity, Suarez is looking more and more of a candidate to become a long term replacement. Suarez is fully aware of the responsibility and hard work that comes with the mere idea of replacing Iniesta. “I’m pleased with how these first months have gone. The coach has put a lot of faith in me . . . I should take advantage of it all the best I can to earn my place and be here for many years.” Suarez is well off to a great start.  (Sport-English)

Arfa and His Familiar Spell.

French talent, Hatem Ben Arfa, left OGC Nice this summer to join the Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Arfa, who has had troubling seasons in his careers, has found himself on the bench in his new club, despite his remarkable 2015-16 season with Nice.

Many fans believe that this transfer will finally give Arfa the chance to receive the recognition he deserves at the world-class level, since he has joined a team with title success. Unfortunately, he is off to a rocky start, averaging 10 minutes of playing time per game. He has been warned by his coach, Unai Emery, that hard work will determine his impact on the team. "He needs to work to improve himself, so that if he plays a good 10 minutes, he can play 20 minutes the next time and so on" (ESPNFC).

Arfa has been called up for individual training and has remained positive, even though he was dropped by Emery for the clash against Arsenal. With his first month underway, he has managed to tally up only one goal for PSG. Arfa, has a long season to go and hopes to find the "right mentality" that Emery seeks, so he can transform this spell into the magic he created with Nice during his last season (DailyMail).


                              

Dani Alves and the Italian Giants

Brazilian star, Dani Alves, has signed with Juventes of Italy on a two year contract. Alves had one more year with Barcelona, but the Spanish Premier team allowed him to transfer early.

Alves spent eight seasons with Barcelona and achieved much success during his time in the Spanish Premier League. Alves sought a change of scenery because he thought that life in the Nou Camp was "too easy" (ESPN).

Alves stated that, "I want to win in Europe and in Italy; I have won a lot of trophies with Barcelona, but the time has come to enjoy Italy and to try to bring Juventus back to the European top" (ESPN).

Alves won six La Liga titles, three Champions League, and 23 honors with Barcelona. He also has made the second highest amount of appearances with Barcelona for a foreign player; but he now he seeks more adventure and new challenges. Alves believes that to improve, he must expose himself to a different environment. Despite this, he avows to return to Barcelona one day.


                                       

Morata Shows and Proves

Alvaro Morata has returned to Real Madrid after two years with Juventes. Fellow competitors Arsenal and Chelsea were greatly dismayed, as Morata was unveiled at the Bernabeu in front of thousands of fans. These two teams have trailed Morata for the later part of his career and have sought him to play for them.

Morata believes that he needed time away from Real Madrid to mature as a player, but is extremely grateful to have returned. Morata grew up in Madrid, and he started his professional career in the Bernabeu. There are few players who know Real Madrid as well as Morata.

Morata will have his chance to shine as he works with Karim Benzema to create a formidable attack for Real Madrid. Right now, Christiano Ronaldo is not playing because of an injury, and Gareth Bale is currently easing his way back into La Liga, after the Euro 2016 tournament. With the two absences of these stars, Morata will have the opportunity to demonstrate his scoring ability. Within only two terms, Morata scored 37 goals (the Sun).

Morata has begun his second start with Real Madrid with a positive attitude. He believes that he has found his niche and wishes to stay with the team for as long as possible: "It’s a very happy day for me as I return home" (the Sun).