Luis Suarez has improved since joining Barcelona from Liverpool, says Marcelino

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez's impact in the early months of his career since joining the club from Liverpool has been hailed as "fantastic" by ex-Spain international Marcelino.

The 28-year-old was forced to wait until October to make his debut for the Catalan giants after serving his Fifa ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini but after a slow start has impressed in recent weeks.

Suarez has scored five goals and made two assists in his last seven appearances, which included netting a double in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Manchester City and Marcelino says his recent form shows he has improved since moving from Liverpool.

"They were waiting for him after his ban and in the end he has arrived [from Liverpool] to add more goals, more goal threat and to combine with two fantastic players in Lionel Messi and Neymar, who have different qualities to him," Marcelino told Sky Sports.

"He also adds a bit of aggression. He has that killer instinct and is someone who threatens defenders, despite not being the biggest person.

"The way he plays and the amount of energy he puts in, he's someone that really annoys defenders when they have him around. I think he's doing a fantastic job."

Since moving from Liverpool for a reported £65m ($100m) in the summer, Suarez has scored 13 goals and assisted 15 in 28 appearances but his link up with Messi and Neymar has been the most impressive aspect of his performances.

Barcelona trail Real Madrid by just two points in the La Liga title race thanks to Suarez's recent form and Marcelino adds that he is close to eclipsing David Villa as the club's most effective forward in recent years.

"When David Villa signed for Barcelona he found it difficult to get to that last step at this level of football," the ex-Newcastle United defender said.

"Luis Suarez has also had to adapt to a higher level because Barcelona are right at the top and the players he is training and playing with expect more from him.

"He has had to adapt, improve and he is now delivering."