4 reasons why Antoine Griezmann should stay at Atletico Madrid

It is true that life is in phases. At times, we find ourselves in difficult situations that require us to take bold decisions. While taking a right step often places us on the right path, taking a wrong one usually complicates matters. This is why we need to be very careful with the decisions we take at various points in our lives.

French superstar, Antoine Griezman is one of the finest footballers in the world at the moment. The attacker has been one of the most influential figures in the sport for the past few years. Tearing opposition defences apart and leading his club to glory, the Frenchman has gained a lot of reputation for his fantastic abilities.

The 2017/2018 season was another highlight in the life of the 27-year-old. The attacker was incredible throughout the campaign. He bagged 29 goals and 13 assists for Atletico Madrid in all competitions as well as leading the Rojiblancos to the Europa League triumph.

His amazing level of performance has attracted interest from several European powerhouses, with Barcelona at the forefront. It is true that the Catalans are determined to bring the forward to the Camp Nou. In fact, Barca president, Maria Bartomeu recently stated that he had made contacts with the player's representatives earlier.

With strong interest from Barcelona and Grieamann's release clause set to fall to £87.5million (€100million), the attacker is widely expected to make a move to the Camp Nou in this summer. However, while many players succeeded after moving to Barcelona, Griezman's case might prove different. In fact, below are 4 reasons why the attacker should avoid moving to the Camp Nou:

#4. Leaving The Chance To Become A Legend At Atletico

A legend at Atletico or a forgotten hero at Barcelona?

It is clear that Griezman is on the way to immortalize his name at Atletico Madrid. He joined the Spanish outfit in 2014 and ever since then he has been going from strength to strength with his fantastic efforts. He is Atletico Madrid's all-time highest scorer in Champions League and he recently led the Rojiblancos to claim the Europa League, bagging 2 goals in the final of the tournament.

With what he has done, it will be a better idea if the Frenchman stays at the club and becomes a legend than moving to Barcelona where that is highly unlikely. Asked about Griezmann's future, Atletico Madrid's CEO, Gil Marin said:

"It will depend on his feelings more than anything else.

"If he wants to make history at Atletico Madrid where everything revolves around him or go to a club where he will never enter history."

#3. Competition In Barcelona Squad

With Dembele and Coutinho expected to hit their marks next season, where will Griezmann occupy in Barca's line-up?

There are several things that Griezman ought to think about before deciding to join Barcelona. It should be remembered that the Catalans invested heavily in the summer, introducing the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Paulinho into the squad.

Dembele was acquired to join Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the attack. Although the teenager had a slow start due to injuries, he later started showing promising signs and is expected to hit the mark next season. Paulinho achieved success in his first year at the club, bagging 9 goals and 2 assists while Coutinho has slotted in perfectly.

Paulinho can play as an attacking midfielder behind Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Coutinho can start on either flank and in the midfield while Dembele is a specialist on the right wing. The position Griezmann will occupy if he decides to join Barcelona remains a big question at the moment.

#2. Playing Under Lionel Messi's Shadow

Everyone is under Messi's shadow at Barcelona, could the Frenchman prove different?

One reason why every player will appreciate joining Barcelona is the chance to play with the best player in the world. In fact, the prospect of playing alongside Lionel Messi is enough to lure any player to the Camp Nou.

While playing with the Argentine is a big blessing, it should also be noted that there is a curse attached to it. Griezmann is a fantastic superstar that is capable of winning the Ballon d'Or, but joining Barcelona will not help him to win the prestigious award because of the presence of the playmaker.

It is quite obvious that if the Frenchman decides to join the Blaugrana, he will surely be under Lionel Messi's shadow at the Camp Nou. Many world-class players failed to break free from this curse. The likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, David Villa and Neymar all played under the shadow of the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner. Therefore it will be a better idea for Griezmann to snub Barca's call.

#1. Adapting To Barcelona's Style Of Play

Not every player can adapt to Barca's style

Adapting to Barcelona's style of play is another problem that Griezmann might face if he decides to move to the Camp Nou. Although the attacker has flourished under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid, it should also be noted that playing for Barcelona is a different experience entirely.

The Catalans have their unique method of playing the game. Their possession-based and pro attacking system is what really differentiates the Blaugrana from other clubs in Europe. Therefore, leaving a defensive Atletico Madrid side to join an offensive Barcelona team is not a wise idea for the Frenchman.

While Griezmann is a talented player, it should not be forgotten that many fantastic superstars failed to adapt to Barcelona's style. The likes of Arda Turan, Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer all failed to succeed at the Camp Nou due to this problem. So, Griezmann must think twice before making any move.