Griezmann all set to fit in Suarez shoes as Barca’s No. 9

After fail attempts of searching a perfect striker, Barca’s Antoine Griezmann is all set to fill the gap

Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann recently opened up about being the club’s main striker after Barca failed to get a perfect back-up for the injured Suarez in the winter transfer window.

Barca had planned to get a deal with Valencia’s Rodrigo Morena but wasn’t able to catch up with Los Che’s demand of €60 million (£51m/$66m).

The club also tried many attempts including loan but  had tried several different approaches, including a loan, but Valencia was determined that Barca were obligated to buy the Spaniard, however, it wasn’t as suitable for the team due to their financial constraints and strategy for the year

Later to which the Catalans approached Real Betis’ Loren Moron but yet again the club couldn’t cope up with the price. The Club anyways were eyeing for Inter Striker Lautaro Martinez as a replacement for their long term successor Suarez, but have to wait until the summer for the approach.

As for now, the club is left with confined options, but with Griezmann having played as a center-forward at various points throughout his career, the Frenchman is of the opinion that he can be the one to fill Suarez’s boots in his absence.

“If the club needs me as a No.9, I’m here to help,” Griezmann said on Thursday. “If I’m on the left or in the middle, perfect.  All I want is to help the team.

“I’m used to playing inside – I know where to move and I have more freedom, but I’m at this club to help.”

Griezmann, however, has helped Barca ease to a wholehearted 5-0 win over Copa del Rey opponents Leganes on Thursday evening, the World Cup winner opening the scoring after just four minutes after being teed up by Nelson Semedo.

It was the club’s best performance to date under new coach Setien after a dicey start, but goalscorer Griezmann admits he and his team-mates still have some way to go before the boss’ methods fully sink in.

“We’re trying to learn how to play from the coach,” he added. “We still have things to improve but we’re on the right track.”

Barca will be playing at home for the next against Levante on Sunday, with the hosts needing three points to keep up with La Liga leaders Real Madrid.