Here is how both Neymar and Griezmann would fit into Barça's XI

Here is how both Neymar and Griezmann would fit into Barça's XI

El deseo del Barça es ver a Neymar y a Griezmann con la camiseta azulgrana / | Marta Fernández

Due to their different roles and styles of play, the two could easily slot into the same team

As the transfer window begins to heat up, there's been a lot of talk about FC Barcelona only being able to sign one of Antoine Griezmann or Neymar. However due to their distinctive styles, the pair could slot into the same lineup without too many problems. Neymar is more individualistic and more pace whereas Griezmann has a higher work ethic and better goalscoring record.

Yet when you talk about Neymar and Griezmann starting for Barça, it means there is no space for Ousmane Dembele. And that's a concern because the young French forward has the potential to turn into a world class player.

Another important factor is with Neymar and Griezmann it would mean there'd be no money to sign a backup for Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan himself has stressed the importance of planning for life after him. The club wants a pure number nine and neither the Brazilian or Frenchman are that.

One option is to play Griezmann through the middle but Diego Simeone has always preferred to play with a more natural striker such as Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata or Kalinic, rather than Griezmann as the reference point in attack.

4-3-3

This is the system Barcelona usually plays with and is naturally the first one to consider. In this formation, there's no place for Luis Suarez. You'd have Neymar on the left, Griezmann on the right, and Lionel Messi in the middle as a 'false 9'.

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4-4-2

This is similar to the 4-3-3 although it would see Messi pushed further forward alongside Suarez. The Argentine would have the freedom to roam around the attacking phase of the play, as per usual, with Suarez leading the line Neymar and Griezmann would be on the wings but further back. They'd have the freedom to come inside and free up space for the full backs to attack. Both would need to help out defensively but, when on the attack, it could appear more like a 4-2-4.

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4-2-3-1

With this formation, which Ernesto Valverde has used in the past, the team would need two strong pivots in midfield to balance the team out. This would see Suarez up front by himself with Neymar, Griezmann and Messi just behind him. This would be the strongest formation in terms of the attack but should the team lose possession, it would put a lot of strain on the rest of the team.   

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