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Barcelona: 5 players who will benefit from La Liga restart

By Ashwin Varkey

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: (L-R) FC Barcelona squad poses for team photo with Goalkeeper Marc Ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet, Frenkie de Jong, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Martin Braithwaite, Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 7, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: (L-R) FC Barcelona squad poses for team photo with Goalkeeper Marc Ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet, Frenkie de Jong, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Martin Braithwaite, Nelson Semedo and Jordi Alba during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 7, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona (Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /

#2 Samuel Umtiti

Before encountering injury, Samuel Umtiti was considered as one of the top centre-backs in the world. The Frenchman was quick on his feet and a highly reliable presence in defence. He was considered the next “Puyol” giving everything for the club towards success. Samuel Umtiti’s talent is never in question, but his fitness is in doubt.

The defender has lost his place to Lenglet and has been unable to give quality performances since his return from injury. With the board looking to cash in on the defender in the next transfer window, Umtiti will need to get back in form to regain his place in Quique Setien’s side.

#1 Antoine Griezmann

When Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona, fans were so hyped to see a new trio after MSN(Messi-Suarez-Neymar) ‘s treble-winning season. Even though his deal involved a lot of complications with Atletico Madrid, it was a dream move.

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However, he has failed to live up to expectations and playing on the left wing to accommodate Suarez is not helping. He has scored eight goals in 25 games in the league and has been ineffective against big clubs.

Griezmann transfer price and the controversial move from Atletico Madrid that he participated in a year before his arrival only serves to accentuate Barcelona’s frustration with the forward.
Griezmann does possess bundles of talent and Quique Setien at the helm; the illustrious front three may well click into gear.

Griezmann’s most essential qualities as a prolific forward, most of them come to light when he’s given the licence and the freedom to express himself.In the case of Griezmann, his playstyle as advanced as well. While he focuses on goals and finishing, his playmaking skills has improved a lot. In last season at Atletico Madrid, Griezmann accumulated a total of 41 chances created and nine assists.

The 41 opportunities created was far behind Messi’s La Liga-leading 87, but it is still impressive considering Atletico’s defensive style with less than an average 50% of possession per game. He will be looking to get back to the form showcased in his time at Madrid.

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