Barcelona have officially announced the arrival of Memphis Depay. Considering that Ronald Koeman personally insisted on his transfer, we should expect the 27-year-old to have an important role in the squad next season. Here are three different ways Barca could line up with Memphis.
Option 1
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Mingueza, Araujo, Lenglet - Dest, De Jong, Pedri, Alba - Messi, Fati, Depay.
Depay is not exactly a striker as he has a similar profile to Leo Messi, the difference being that he is right-footed so feels more at home on the left side. Thus, the two could be used by Koeman as inside-forwards while Ansu Fati plays as the out-and-out striker.
Option 2
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Emerson, Mingueza, Araujo, Alba - Busquets, De Jong, Pedri - Messi, Depay, Griezmann.
Just like at Lyon, the Dutchman could be used as a centre-forward. Having the trio of Messi, Griezmann and Depay play all at once would allow the three players to interchange positions depending on the situation. Messi could be a right winger or a centre-forward, Memphis a centre-forward or left winger while Antoine can play in all three positions.
Option 3
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Dest, Mingueza, Araujo - De Jong, Pedri - Messi, Griezmann, Depay - Aguero.
Another option would be for the coach to go back to the 4-2-3-1 formation which he used in his first days at Barca. Now that he was a proper striker in Sergio Aguero, the set-up could finally work.
RELATED NEWS
Official: Memphis Depay joins Barcelona
Barcelona have officially announced the signing of Memphis Depay on a free transfer from Lyon.
The 27-year-old has signed a contract until 2023. His release clause has been set at €500m, as confirmed by the club.
Since he is currently representing the Netherlands at the 2020 Euros, Depay's official presentation at Camp Nou will likely follow after the tournament is done.
How would Messi, Griezmann and Depay all fit into starting XI? You asked – we answered
"Really excited for Depay to arrive but still wondering how Messi, Griezmann and Depay are meant to fit in and play together," Barcelona fan and Twitter user Emma writes.
It's quite possible that all the three players will stay put as Blaugrana players next season.
How could Barca line up with all of them?
Option 1
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Emerson, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Messi, Depay, Griezmann.
In the 4-3-3 formation, Antoine Griezmann could take his place on the left side – the important thing is to use him in a free-artist role, otherwise, his performances will be as poor as in the 2019/20 season when he was used as a left winger by both Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.
With two free creators behind Depay, Griezmann and Messi, our frontline could really flourish next season.
Option 2
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Pique, Garcia; Busquets; Emerson, De Jong, Pedri, Depay; Messi, Griezmann.
Apart from being a No. 9, Memphis Depay could be a decent inside forward, launching his attacking efforts from the left.
Our starting eleven could look even more attack-minded if we go with this option: two clear-cut attackers upfront, with the third supporting them from the wing.
Option 3
Barca XI: Ter Stegen; Emerson, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; De Jong, Busquets; Messi, Griezmann, Depay; Aguero.
The best option out of the three?
Antoine Griezmann plays a role he succeeds in with France, Depay plays an inside forward on the left, Messi is in his favourite position while there's a clear No. 9 too, Sergio Aguero.
Although this may look really awesome at first glance... what to do with Pedri?
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