Luis Suarez has admitted he suffered from anxiety as he struggled to score goals for Barcelona earlier this season.

Suarez had come under criticism for his lack of production in front of goal, with a section of fans and the media demanding more from the striker who Barcelona paid a reported £75 million for this summer.

Last season, the Uruguay international was named Player of the Year by the Premier League, PFA and the Football Association Writers; while scoring 31 goals in 33 games for Liverpool. Suarez was the engine that drove the Merseyside club’s title charge – which ultimately fell short on the last day of the season – and helped secure Champions League qualification for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

In October, the Uruguayan made his debut for Barcelona on the biggest stage in Spanish football, El Clasico, after serving a FIFA-imposed four month ban for biting Italy’s Giogio Chiellini during last summer’s World Cup.

But, up until Tuesday night’s Champions League encounter with Manchester City, Suarez had only scored seven times in 22 games for Barcelona in all competitions.

Speaking after his two-goal performance at the Etihad which gave Barcelona a 2-1 advantage in the two-legged tie, Suarez admitted to having self-doubt during recent times at the Catalan club.

“At one stage, a month ago, I was worried for myself,” the Uruguayan confessed. “I am very self-critical when I don’t help the team and I was missing goals that a player can’t miss.”

“I was aware of the team I joined, the money that was paid for me, and the quality of the players I have around me.”

Suarez went on to say despite those doubts, he is assured he is serving an important role in manager Luis Enrique’s side and is enjoying his time with his new teammates.

“I’m fulfilling a role that I know helps the team a lot, occupying defenses and letting Leo [Messi] and Neymar get in one-on-ones where they are unstoppable,” Suarez added.

“We get on very well. They [Messi and Neymar] are two of my good friends. Neymar is very funny and tells lots of jokes. The fact is I have a very good, a great relationship with him.”

“With Leo and Javier Mascherano the relationship is good. It’s good in the team, where no one is superior to anyone else.”

“I was surprised by the humility in this locker room.”

Programming note: Granada vs. Barcelona will be shown LIVE on Saturday starting at 9:55am EST on beINSPORTS and DishWorld.