How Barcelona must form their attack with Griezmann and Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann may lineup together in Barcelona’s attack.
A week or so ago, Bayern Munich had confirmed through a director at the club that they would not be making Philippe Countiho’s loan move at Germany permanent despite having an option to sign the player for 80 million euros after it was reduced from its initial fee worth 120 million euros by the board at Barcelona, according to Sky Sports.
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With the Brazilian forward set to stay at the Camp Nou next season, Quique Setien would have to devise a new attacking strategy to fit both Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho in the starting eleven.
Unlike the French international, the former Liverpool man offers immense versatility and it was displayed during his spell in the Premier League at Liverpool. The Brazilian footballer was generally fielded either as an attacking midfielder or a left-winger during his tenure at the Anfield, both these positions worked wonders for the right-footed Brazilian who managed to score an impressive 54 goals and provide 45 assists for the Reds.
However, at the Camp Nou, Coutinho has struggled under the pressure that comes from representing the Blaugrana and was often confused about his role as an attacker under the former coach, Ernesto Valverde.
Under the guidance of Quique Setien who is a massive admirer of Philippe Coutinho, the former Inter Milan man would definitely be assured a starting spot ahead of Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann since the Cantabrian is a big fan of the player.
However, if the Brazilian is deployed on the left-wing which is also his natural position which facilitates his movement to cut in from the wings and take a shot on goal with his sweet god gifted right foot then, Quique Setien would have to also consider where would Antoine Griezmann would be deployed if Coutinho takes his left flank.
The French forward operates the best as a striker and offers versatility in his style of playing while attacking as well. If the former Atletico Madrid man is positioned in the centre of the field ahead of the fatigued and injured Luis Suarez, the French international can offer two forms of attacking options for Quique Setien.
The first option would be that Antoine Griezmann could drop back and play as a false nine to support the build play and ease the pressure of the soon to be 33-year-old Lionel Messi who could also focus more on attacking rather than dropping back. With Griezmann dropping back during the build play, both the South American wingers on the flanks can make darting runs down the wing to form a quick counter-attack that would end up with either a cross in the box for Griezmann to finish or a shot from either of the wingers.
The second option would be to let Lionel Messi drop back and help in the build-up play during the transition of the attack. With the captain helping in the middle of the park, Antoine Griezmann could use his quick feet to make runs behind the defence for Lionel Messi to chip in his signature through ball to the striker. Griezmann’s quick feet and agility would play a decisive role for the striker to get the ball first before the defenders and finish one on one.
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An attacking lineup of Philippe Coutinho on the left, Antoine Griezmann in the centre and Lionel Messi on the right-wing would be an ideal option for Quique Setien to consider next season for Barcelona.