Five ways Barcelona can stop Atletico star Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann is the most decisive player on Atletico Madrid's side and the one who has caused Barcelona the most problems in recent seasons. In fact, the French forward was responsible for knocking Luis Enrique's side out of the Champions League last season. His two goals in the second leg of the quarter-final tie knocked Barça out, while referee Nicola Rizzoli was also in the spotlight when he didn't give a penalty for Gabi's clear handball in the area.

How to stop Griezmann is one of the headaches Luis Enrique has ahead of receiving Atletico at Camp Nou this Wednesday. Here are five of the keys to keeping the French forward quiet. 

Anticipation 

Griezmann is one of those players who doesn't get nervous when he's given the ball surrounded by opponents. It's the opposite, in fact. When he gets the ball under pressure he's as much of a problem as when he collects it in space. He comes out of most situations well. Therefore, it's important to stop him getting the ball. If Atletico can't connect with their front man, they often lose, given he's the one who so often breaks down rival defences. 

Pace at the back 

The problem is that Griezmann can receive the ball to feet, but he can also find space to run into. When this occurs, it's important to have a quick centre-back who can correct their position. In this regard, Javier Mascherano has proven to be slower than Samuel Umtiti. Both have their strengths, with the Argentine excellent positionally, although it's the younger Umtiti's pace which could prove pivotal. 

Support 

Nothing which has been written before will matter if all the team don't support each other. It's not enough for just Griezmann's direct marker to read the game and be quick if there's no solidity throughout the team. To stop him shining, it will be necessary for both central defenders to be aware of him, but also for Sergio Busquets to be switched on, and even the two more attacking midfielders. 

Possession 

It seems obvious, but as Johan Cruyff said: if you have the ball, your rival doesn't. Therefore, Barça's objective is to have enough possession so that Griezmann is not involved in the game. It's true that you don't need a lot of the ball to do damage, as Atletico have shown on many occasions. If Griezmann gets a lot of the ball, though, it signals danger for the Blaugrana. 

Aerial play 

Griezmann is not a tall player. He is not one of those pure forwards whose physical presence alone can edge a game in his side's favour. However, he's a complete player who is capable of scoring with his head. At 1.76m, he uses his intelligence to work space and score all types of goals. In fact, it was a header which helped Atletico knock Barcelona out of last season's Champions League. Barça will have to stop him in this area.