Antoine Griezmann

Messi983

Senior Member
Don't see 3-4-3/3-5-2 working longterm but if we'll continue to play that formation next season then I'd prefer Griezmann upfront instead of Dembele. I know we've played well and have good results recently in that formation but despite scoring on Sunday Dembele is just looking lost playing so centrally. It's not the best way to utilise his speed imo (Tbh I'd still seriously consider selling him if we can get around 50-60m). Also don't like Messi often playing almost as a DM when Frenkie is used as a 3rd CB.

We could play a flexible 4-3-1-2. Griezmann (who still has more legs) could drop deeper (which he likes) which would also allow to keep Messi closer to the goal. And obviously Fati could also cut inside from the left. Alba and Dest can still push high but we'd need to have FDJ in midfield (to replace Busi). Obviously this could only happen if we'll sign Wijnaldum (or just trust Ilaix a starting role which I would be a bit wary off; as much as I like him I wouldn't like to rush into something he's probably not totally ready yet for) otherwise Busi will unfortunately stay a starter for another season.
 

JamDav1982

Senior Member
Don't see 3-4-3/3-5-2 working longterm but if we'll continue to play that formation next season then I'd prefer Griezmann upfront instead of Dembele. I know we've played well and have good results recently in that formation but despite scoring on Sunday Dembele is just looking lost playing so centrally. It's not the best way to utilise his speed imo (Tbh I'd still seriously consider selling him if we can get around 50-60m). Also don't like Messi often playing almost as a DM when Frenkie is used as a 3rd CB.

We could play a flexible 4-3-1-2. Griezmann (who still has more legs) could drop deeper (which he likes) which would also allow to keep Messi closer to the goal. And obviously Fati could also cut inside from the left. Alba and Dest can still push high but we'd need to have FDJ in midfield (to replace Busi). Obviously this could only happen if we'll sign Wijnaldum (or just trust Ilaix a starting role which I would be a bit wary off; as much as I like him I wouldn't like to rush into something he's probably not totally ready yet for) otherwise Busi will unfortunately stay a starter for another season.

Cant play Griezmann upfront in this formation. Dembele is working for the team due to his pace and running in behind even if his finishing is off.

Griezmann is not that player and if he is here and this is formation he is much more suited to being in AM role where he runs bollocks off for team, shows for ball and takes moments in games to try and make a difference.

Not 120m worth but that is how he is best served in team and this formation as another part of the structure not at CF.
 

Messi983

Senior Member
Cant play Griezmann upfront in this formation. Dembele is working for the team due to his pace and running in behind even if his finishing is off.

Griezmann is not that player and if he is here and this is formation he is much more suited to being in AM role where he runs bollocks off for team, shows for ball and takes moments in games to try and make a difference.

Not 120m worth but that is how he is best served in team and this formation as another part of the structure not at CF.

Fati would replace Dembele in the lineup, Griezmann's role would stay the same. Sure, Ansu is not as fast as Dembele (and we'll have to see how he'll look after injury) but he's a much better finisher.

I've also mentioned a possibility Messi staying closer to the goal and Griezmann dropping instead. Messi and Ansu are the best finisher in this team so keeping them closer to the goal makes sense imo.


And even if we actually get Haaland I'd still keep Griezmann. If we're serious about competing next season then having more proven depth is neccessary. It could also work out financially imo. Messi needs to take a 30-40% pay cut regardless of what other moves we'll make if he wants to stay and we can offload players that are actually of no use like Coutinho and Umtiti to lower wages. And maybe sell someone like Roberto as well instead of renewing his contract.

Messi, Haaland, Ansu, Griezmann, Dembele and Trincao would be a very good attack (though in this case I'd consider loaning Trincao as he probably wouldn't play much especially if we'll continue with this formation). Much more likely we'll only bring Depay to replace Braithwaite though.
 

mc_lovin

Senior Member
Dembele is just looking lost playing so centrally.

Disagree with that. His finishing has been all over the place, but his movement was surprisingly great - robust and fast. I would give Dembele and Frenkie most credit for our recent form (tactically at least).

Griezmann is a weird case. Not really great, but not bad either. Just solid to good at the moment. He still feels positionless though - see no further than our 352 vs Sevilla. It literally made no difference playing with Griezmann or without him.
 
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Porque

Senior Member
Griezmann is a kind of floater right now. I imagine if Raul was playing in modern football that he would be something like Griezmann at Barcelona and not be nearly as highly rated.

To try and be as neutral as possible, surely Griezmann is better than Depay. Only problem is the transfer fee and wage which we shouldn't really be concerned with as fans.
 

DonAK

President of FC Barcelona
Dembele is not great as our #9, but the reason this system works so well is in part of having a pacy forward leading the line. Teams cannot push forward and press us so high with Dembele's pace being a threat to break through.

It's giving the midfield a lot more time on the ball and ways to find easier passing lines, especially with Dest and Alba giving them width and being a bit higher up the pitch.

Ansu would replace Griezmann, not Dembele.

Dembele ideally gets replaced by Haaland or a quick CF.
 

vuji_31

Senior Member
We need to hope that he will improve because there is not a club that wants him because of his 21mil after-tax salary.
That is what Lewandowski is being payed. And he should won ballon d'or last year.

Atleast we could get rid of Coutinho and Umtiti this year and maybe Pjanic but Griezmann is staying.
 

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