[THREAD] Can Griezmann succeed at Barcelona?
Griezmann looked much more comfortable as a right inside-forward/striker hybrid in the matches against Levante, Getafe, Eibar, and Soceidad.
@_FTSofficial and I analyze how this setup helps Griezmann, Messi, & Barcelona.
Griezmann looked much more comfortable as a right inside-forward/striker hybrid in the matches against Levante, Getafe, Eibar, and Soceidad.
@_FTSofficial and I analyze how this setup helps Griezmann, Messi, & Barcelona.
No matter which setup Setién uses, he always attempts to:-
1) create a diamond/box midfield to create a freeman between the lines.
2) Position 3 players level with the opponent's last-line to push the defense back, and positions them across the pitch for horizontal stretching
1) create a diamond/box midfield to create a freeman between the lines.
2) Position 3 players level with the opponent's last-line to push the defense back, and positions them across the pitch for horizontal stretching
Contrary to the prevailing narrative, Griezmann does indeed make many runs in behind.
At Barcelona, this is often much easier to do down the flanks and in the half-spaces.
At Barcelona, this is often much easier to do down the flanks and in the half-spaces.
With Griezmann playing wide, Barcelona can punish teams much more effectively in counter-attacking situations, as modern full-backs play very high up the pitch.
Messi's gravity in attracting defenders also helps free up the half-spaces and wide areas.
Messi's gravity in attracting defenders also helps free up the half-spaces and wide areas.
Moreover, playing on the right specifically, allows Griezmann to cut inside onto his preferred left-foot.
This helps him link-up better with teammates, and more importantly, play-make.
This helps him link-up better with teammates, and more importantly, play-make.
When Barcelona's right-back pushes forward into Setién's 3-pronged attack, Griezmann moves into the striker position to free up Messi in the half-space.
The same principles (diamond/box midfield + 3 pronged attack) are applied here however.
The same principles (diamond/box midfield + 3 pronged attack) are applied here however.
We see this tactic lead to a good goal-scoring chance for Griezmann here [check out his goals vs Napoli and Leganes (CdR) as well].
* Side-note: Semedo's increased offensive role, and development as an offensive player, has been incredible under Setién.
* Side-note: Semedo's increased offensive role, and development as an offensive player, has been incredible under Setién.
In Barcelona's last two matches, Griezmann played centrally, and with Roberto not offering enough runs (against Leganes especially), Barcelona's play suffered considerably.
Playing in this role did not just benefit Griezmann, it helped Messi and the team as whole as well.
Griezmann, Messi, & Barcelona as a whole, averaged significantly better xG/90 marks in those 4 matches than their averages under both Setién and Valverde.
Griezmann, Messi, & Barcelona as a whole, averaged significantly better xG/90 marks in those 4 matches than their averages under both Setién and Valverde.
More specifically, the space that this setup helped create for Messi was invaluable.
Messi was able to create significantly more shots off the dribble, and via OP passes, because of the additional space, wider passing lanes, & the ability to punish narrow defenses.
Messi was able to create significantly more shots off the dribble, and via OP passes, because of the additional space, wider passing lanes, & the ability to punish narrow defenses.
While Griezmann's direct contributions (G+A) will almost certainly increase significantly if he is used in this role moving forward, the biggest asset this setup brings is freeing up Messi.
This is crucial.
This is crucial.
If Barça fans expect 35-40 goal seasons from Griezmann, then they'll likely always be disappointed.
This is not want he brings to Barça. Griezmann is a hard worker who always puts the well being of the team first. He will work FOR and WITHIN a system.
This is not want he brings to Barça. Griezmann is a hard worker who always puts the well being of the team first. He will work FOR and WITHIN a system.
Since 2015, Barça's system in big games has shifted from one that attempts to always place Messi is positions to decide games, into one where Messi attempts to place his teammates in positions to decide games.
This has been a colossal mistake.
This has been a colossal mistake.
Given that Messi is one of, if not the most, decisive player in history, Barça's post-2015 approach is fundamentally illogical.
Griezmann, in the role outlined above, is a crucial step forward in changing that.
Griezmann, in the role outlined above, is a crucial step forward in changing that.
A quick shout-out to @_FTSofficial who helped me with this analysis. I have collaborated with them in the past, and will continue to do so in the future.
Follow, follow, follow.
Follow, follow, follow.
