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Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has hired new rookie Antoine Griezmann to create a powerful offensive force with Messrs Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez when the trio are finally on the pitch.
Griezmann made a transfer of 120 million euros (491 million dirhams) to the Spanish champions of Atletico Madrid earlier this month, although the latter asked La Liga to block the Player registration in Barcelona, both clubs continuing to dispute the costs.
The 28-year-old French striker played his first matches in the colors of Barcelona during his tour of Japan. He participated in Saturday's 2-0 win over Vissel Kobe.
Messi and Suarez have not yet joined the rest of the team after a long break after their participation in the Copa America in Brazil.
Between them, Messi, Suarez and Griezmann scored 682 goals in La Liga, which suggests a tantalizing prospect when the trio will go on the field together.
"It's true that some players who integrate well get along better," Valverde said.
"We will see the relationship socially and at the camp, and we are delighted with this opportunity.
"We believe in balance in the team, in front or back, he [Griezmann] He moves quickly, he pbades well and finds space and that's what we missed. "
Carles Perez, a 21-year-old academy graduate, scored two goals in the second half to seal the win over Kobe on Saturday in front of former Barca players Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper.
Barcelona defender Thomas Vermalen joined the J-League team on Saturday in free transfer, but did not play against his former club.
"Carles Perez scored two goals today, so that's good news for his potential and shows how we can get young guys to the front," said Valverde.
"It was my first goal for Barcelona and I'm happy to score two," said Perez cheerfully.
"My dream was to score goals for this great team since my childhood."
The former captain of Barca Iniesta, who left the club after 16 years filled with trophies, said it was a strange afternoon with former teammates such as Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic.
"Well, it's a bit strange of course," said the 35-year-old World Cup winner.
"You spend so much time playing with the same players … it's strange, special."
The win put an end to Barcelona's pre-season friendly matches in Japan after losing 2-1 to Chelsea earlier this week.
The next Barcelona match will be on August 7th against Arsenal at Camp Nou.
Last updated: July 27, 2019 18:07
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