I remember Mancs laughing at us when they were signing brand name players like Schweinsteiger, Ibrahimovic. At the same time, we were targeting players of the right age and potential groups like Gini, Salah, and Mane. Thiago was a departure from the strategy which delivered us so much success. Not sure why we did that.
Suarez is not the answer. Yes, he is having a good season in La Liga but I dont think he will be that effective in the premier league anymore. Stick to signing players like Jota and we will be fine.
Ibrahimvoic was still considered a top quality - and still is at 39 (see the difference with Milan since he returned?).
I will respond trying to remove how Suarez could have helped us because of the
current issues (players who can drive the team forward when they lack confidence/idea, few fighters on the pitch & few goalscorers) - i.e. hindsight is ...
1) Did I say "Suarez was the answer"? Suarez would have been an excellent 2-3 year option.
2) The comparison to Thiago is off - Thiago has never played in England and was a luxury signing, which didn't fit into our midfield at all. We'd have to adjust our play, one way or another, to accommodate a midfielder who was never a ball carriers or ball winner.
3) Suarez would have fit into the
current set up without an issue as the #9.
4) Even if Jota was healthy, would you rather have Suarez to give Bobby a rest every 2-3 games (if not replace him?) or Origi? Are our current attacking options better than what Suarez can still offer?
5) Suarez would have a massive chip on his shoulder - try to make up for how he left the team originally and trying to give a gigantic middle finger to Barca. An already naturally motivated player with a chip on his shoulder? Yikes.
6) The comparison to Jota is silly - if it was him or Jota, obviously Jota (team refreshing etc). I'm looking for a player to strength our rotation and keep Bobby on his toes (have we ever had that) that would cost us nothing in transfer fees and be an asset to this team in the next 1-2 years.
Lastly, I haven't watched much footy outside of England this year ... and since December, I've barely watched any footy outside of the shit we've been served up ... but I do know that Athletico are still managed by a manager who's way of playing is more similar to classic Italian in terms of 'desired' result - 1-0. (Their league position is of little interest - I doubt they'd be there if Barca or Madrid were 'healthier' - physically and as squads). So league goals scored as per wiki:
Salah - 25 games, 17 goals
Suarez - 21 games, 16 goals
Mane - 23 games, 7 goals
Bobby -27 games, 6 goals