Griezmann in line to fill Barrios void against Barcelona
Simeone weighs up tactical reshuffle for Copa del Rey semi-final with Griezmann potentially dropping deeper to compensate for the irreplaceable Barrios.
With Barrios sidelined for the crucial Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona, Cholo Simeone is frantically searching for solutions to fill the gaping hole in his midfield.
Griezmann the midfield maestro?
The latest training sessions have revealed an intriguing tactical twist from Simeone – Antoine Griezmann is being prepped for a deeper midfield role. The French wizard, typically more at home further forward, has been tested as an interior midfielder alongside Pablo Barrios’ replacement.
This potential lineup would see:
- Griezmann dropping into midfield alongside Mendoza
- Koke anchoring as the pivot
- Llorente continuing at right-back rather than midfield
- Pubill slotting in at centre-back
- Baena dropping to the bench despite starting in the 5-0 thrashing at La Cartuja
The full experimental XI Simeone tested featured Musso between the sticks; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko and Ruggeri forming the back four; Mendoza, Koke and Griezmann in midfield; with Giuliano, Julián Alvarez and Lookman leading the attack.
This setup would see Alexander Sorloth – who’s been in blinding form lately – starting on the bench, which would be a proper bold call from the gaffer.
Nico González boost
In better news for the Rojiblancos, Nico González has recovered from his muscle issues that kept him out of both Betis clashes. The midfielder is now available for selection against his former club.
Cardoso, however, remains sidelined as expected, having not even trained with the squad in recent sessions.
With the first leg at the Metropolitano looming large, Simeone’s tactical adjustments could prove decisive in this heavyweight Copa clash. The absence of Barrios – who’s been the dog’s bollocks in midfield this season – forces creativity, and who better than Griezmann to provide that spark from a deeper position?