We have to agree with Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo on this one.
The Barcelona keeper has been talking up the talents of former teammate Antoine Griezmann.
The Chilean played with the French forward when the pair were at Real Sociedad and Bravo reckons he’s good enough turn out for Barcelona, according to quotes in ESPN:
“He has done very well, has matured very quickly. He understands how to work and look after himself. He was a nervous type. Now he is a world-class player. He is more than good enough to play for Barca.”
Griezmann has to be one of the top forwards in the world now. He’s had a superb spell at Atletico Madrid since he moved from Sociedad in 2014 with 43 goals in just 81 appearances. And this is from a star who has played much of his career on the wing.
We actually wonder whether Griezmann is TOO good for Barcelona.
What we mean by that is that he’s too good to sit on the bench for any length of time. But despite his brilliance, would he really be starting ahead of Neymar, Messi and Suarez? The answer would have to be no.
And we believe that the 24-year-old would walk into any team in the world – perhaps apart from Barcelona.
With Suarez 29, Messi 28 and Neymar 23 it’s difficult to see Griezmann being guaranteed a start for the next year at least.
And he may feel that, if he does move on soon, he will want to go to a club that will assure him of centre stage, or at least starts.
Perhaps he will bide his time at Atletico and move to Barcelona when Suarez and/or Messi starts to fade (or Messi drops deeper).
And there is certainly no suggestion that he is currently unhappy under the visionary management of Diego Simeone.
For now, Barca may have to settle for acquisitions who will accept a place on the bench – initially at least.
Let’s see his best bits. Barca fans: would Antoine get in the team ahead of the current front three?
