Griezmann was not “indisputable”

Sánchez Pizjuán's party left a couple of conclusions about Griezmann, one chained with the other. The first is that, despite Setien having said that it was “indisputable”, it was not. The Little Prince was a substitute in Nervión. The second is that it goes without saying that Griezmann is not on that list of players (Messi, Suárez, Piqué, Busquets, Alba) who, by status, were going to have more minutes and would manage their own efforts.

Now that the meaning of his transfer to Barça was back on the table after the somewhat colorless games that the Frenchman had made against Mallorca and Leganés, Sevilla's substitution was a painful blow for Griezmann. Big games are for big players and it was surprising to see the world champion on the bench, even though Setien wanted to keep an eye on the rises of Jesús Navas with Braithwaite and, it must be said, did not fare badly in his approach.

But seeing a player of Griezmann's hierarchy, who has cost 120 million euros, on the bench in games like this can only be considered as news of impact. And it is the second received by the Frenchman, who was very hurt by that Cup substitution in San Mamés on February 6. A stadium in which he has always stood out since his years at Real and where Setién denied him the possibility of playing as a starter. He preferred Ansu and Sergi Roberto as wingers …

Griezmann seemed somewhat absent the twenty minutes he was on the field. He did not seem ready to rebel against the situation, as if he were claiming his status like that, without urgency. Convinced that you should not demonstrate anything to anyone. He was not fine in the touch and did not approach the goal or shoot on goal.

Griezmann's situation is complex, as was the scene of his signing. For the price, 120 million euros, and for the famous documentary of The Decision, which was so bad in Barcelona. But the real debate about Griezmann was not emotional because all that is irrational and is cured in soccer, but soccer: his position on the field. Because Griezmann was Atlético's Messi and accommodating him in the Barça system was not going to be easy. As much as to be a substitute for a meritorious like Braithwaite in the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Griezmann has barely been a substitute three times in LaLiga and his goal numbers hold up. But it is evident that there is a lack of chemistry, of passion. The Frenchman was somewhat absorbed in the bench of Sánchez Pizjuán and without much enthusiasm when he went out on the pitch. Disappointment has a logical point. Someone who has been climbing in his career and who, if rejected by numerous French teams as a child, became the top-5 best players in the world, must feel frustrated and find few explanations to be a substitute in a game. Well when it comes to a world famous player.

In principle, Griezmann will continue at Barça next season. Bartomeu wants it to continue, although he has confessed in private circles he is not entirely satisfied with the performance that this course has had. At the moment, it is neither indisputable.