I think his first touch and his passing selection is world class. Can be a superb Messi-activator, because Messi's weak points are Griezmann's strong points. but most importantly, both have great ball control and great football IQ.
Suarez can't be eliminated from the team from the get go, but this season we should start to see less of him.
Huh? People fall head over heels for his versatility and work rate, but like I said these attributes are definitely crucial but
are not to be sacrificed for more important roles like a poacher or a winger.
Messi has some weak points that Griezmann has, possibly work rate and a little more heading ability, but isn't exactly complementary since both operate with a left leg and has similar playing styles.
I get Valverde's team is extremely static and laid-back, but that doesn't mean we go on a quest to find players solely for their work rate, especially in the forward roles where their attacking roles are more of a priority. Work rate and mobility would be a bonus as should many talented players. In this case, get a new manager, not players that dont fit.
For me I see loads of problems tactically with Griezmann in our team especially with Messi.
Sure, he has some great first touches, but that's hardly fascinating. He lacks a lot of dynamism to be playing as an inside forward, acceleration and unpredictability that can take on opponents by surprise, minimal dribbling ability, all he does is take a one touch pass back to midfield whenever the ball gets to him and then either drop deep to collect the ball again. That's extremely one dimensional and conservative. The difference being Messi has what it takes to split opponents in seconds behind those lines of defenders and capable of more unpredictabilty. I'll say this, he is actually slow witted in terms of how limited he is; capable of only one or two one touch passing in face of the slightest pressure in the box, almost like the "Rakitic" of forwards.
All in all, he is a somewhat budget Messi-esque hardworking player who thrives in a less possession team and makes up with work rate whilst operating as a main man. Many seriously think Simeone is stifling Griezmann, on the contrary, coming to Barca is doing that to him instead, losing the main man role, while having to deal with heavy possession with limited capabilities and tight spaces.
Am I the only one seeing problems with Griezmann, because from all I've seen even if he has great ball control and football IQ, he constantly occupies Messi's position and we know this wouldn't work when messi arrives. He's also not that physical as a striker (even Rafinha seems more physical than him) so he really can't play as the main cf. He hasn't played the lw in ages and from the friendlies i've seen his speed is just okay so I don't see how he could really fit when Messi and Suarez comes, he could even be worse than Coutinho since his favourite position seems to be unavailable. I hope he fits though even if I still see his signing as unnecessary.
You are definitely not alone here.
