Barcelona: Valverde locates five perfect candidates to replace Suarez

4. Tammy Abraham

Abraham is perhaps the most surprising player on Mundo Deportivo’s list. The Chelsea forward hasn’t quite established his name in world football as much as the other players but recently Luis Suarez himself lauded the English striker as one of his potential replacements at the Catalans.

It is easy to see why Suarez gave the forward such high praise. Abraham is quite unique in the current age of a modern footballer. His lanky frame would often indicate he is quite a one dimensional player as simply a ‘target man’ but Abraham is far from it. The English international is excellent on the ball with great hold up play and the pace to run in behind defenders.

Abraham has been tearing up the lower leagues of English football with his prolific form scoring over 50 goals in two different spells on loan in the Championship. This season Frank Lampard finally opted to give Abraham a run-out in the Chelsea first team and the towering forward seized upon his opportunity.

Abraham has established himself as one of the key players for Chelsea’s revitalised side under Lampard. He has led the Chelsea forward line with great esteem and earning many plaudits. So far this season the Blues’ forward has netted 11 times in 15 appearances in the Premier League and if he continues his great run of form big things are expected of Abraham who also managed to score his first international goal for England recently.

At Barcelona with his pace, power and excellent first touch he could definitely establish himself as a fearsome forward. With his towering height he could also give the Catalans’ a second option.

Under Ernesto Valverde Barca have struggled to breakdown teams when they play deep against them and park the bus. With Abraham’s height Barcelona could switch up their play in such games and deliver crosses into the box to test their opponent’s defensive solidity.