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Barcelona have had a very hectic offseason, now is the time to get back to playing football.
New manager Ronald Koeman will have Lionel Messi at his disposal after his summer transfer saga ended with him retracting his demand for a move.
It also seems increasingly certain that Philippe Coutinho will stick around, also with the Brazilian back from his loan stint at Bayern Munich with a shortage of potential suitors.
The two lined up together in Koeman’s last starting eleven against Girona, as did Antoine Griezmann.
And with forward Luis Suárez still in the process of trying to arrange a Juventus transfer outing, the trio were given intriguing new roles.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Messi was restored to a ‘false nine’ role by Koeman, a position he played regularly and was possibly in his prime with Pep Guardiola.
The arrival of Luis Suárez saw him move, but he reverted to the central role falling deeply when he pocketed twice, including an impressive blow against Girona.
Messi also created Philippe Coutinho’s first goal with a fine pass, with Coutinho tucking an empty net into the back post.
(Image: REUTERS)
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That hit came with Coutinho playing on the left flank, having generally been used centrally or on the right in the past.
And Griezmann again played a deeper role in midfield in the center of a 4-2-3-1 formation in a fascinating sign of what could happen under the Dutch coach.
Speaking of his selection after the game, which his team won 3-1, Koeman explained: “I always try to put the best attack possible.
(Image: Enric Fontcuberta / EPA-EFE / REX / Shutterstock)
“We have several players who can play in different positions and that is a very good option.
“Coutinho can play on the left wing and fall through the center.
“Griezmann can play on the wings, in the midfielder and up front, and Messi can start from the right, play further back or forward in attack. There are many options “.
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