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Dybala perfect replacement for Griezmann but move is unlikely

By Devin Nguyen

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 11: Paulo Dybala of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the serie A match between Juventus and Udinese Calcio on March 11, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 11: Paulo Dybala of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the serie A match between Juventus and Udinese Calcio on March 11, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) /
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With Antoine Griezmann set for a summer move away from the Wanda Metropolitano, Atletico Madrid are looking at Paulo Dybala as a possible replacement.

At Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann has become one of the top players in the world. He has made large contributions to Atletico’s Champions League runs and league title in a league dominated by mega-clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid.

I wouldn’t say Griezmann has outgrown Atletico, but it’s definitely time for him to move on to a new challenge. With Griezmann rumored to be on the move this summer to one of Barcelona and Manchester United, Atletico will have to look for a replacement.

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Paulo Dybala of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the serie A match between Juventus and Udinese Calcio on March 11, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 11: Paulo Dybala of Juventus celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the serie A match between Juventus and Udinese Calcio on March 11, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images) /

It is rumored Atletico have their eye on Paulo Dybala after Diego Simeone had a chance encounter with Dybala in a restaurant. Dybala would be a more than ideal replacement for the Frenchman. Apart from being an accomplished player in his own right, he has experience playing in a defensive system like Atletico’s.

Juventus has garnered success in recent years, because of the solidity of their back three, energetic midfield and concise counter-attack, similar to Atletico’s recipe for success.

MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Antoine Greizmann of Atletico de Madrid celebrates with Diego Costa after scoring his team’s opening goal during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Celta de Vigo at Wanda Metropolitano stadium on March 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Antoine Greizmann of Atletico de Madrid celebrates with Diego Costa after scoring his team’s opening goal during the La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Celta de Vigo at Wanda Metropolitano stadium on March 11, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /

Dybala can play as a second striker and is predominantly deployed in that position by Massimiliano Allegri behind Gonzalo Higuain or Mario Mandzukic. Dybala can partner with Diego Costa with similar effect.

Simeone made the most of the situation as he “told him what [he] thought of him as a footballer…an excellent footballer” during their brief meeting.

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This has sparked rumors of Atletico’s interest, which are probably farfetched. The main obstacle to Atletico’s alleged pursuit of Dybala is Dybala himself. He has previously professed his allegiance to Juventus and recently renewed his contract with the Old Lady.

From a career perspective, Dybala could also bide his time for a move to a more prestigious club. To the ire of Atletico fans, a move from Juventus to Real Madrid is a lot more likely.

Where do you think Dybala will end up after this summer? Who do you think Atletico Madrid should buy to replace Griezmann.

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