La Liga: Barcelona player ratings against Villarreal

La Liga Barcelona player ratings against Villarreal

Ronald Koeman’s first match in charge has been nothing less than fantastic as Barcelona steamrolled Unai Emery’s Villarreal 4-0.

Here are the ratings of Barca players.

Neto – 7

The Brazilian goalkeeper has not been into action for the majority of the first half while making decent saves in the second period. In terms of distribution, Neto looks more simple yet effective.

Gerard Pique – 7

Pique showcased his positional sense to full-effect while making important blocks, such as the one against Gerard Moreno in the second half.

Clement Lenglet – 7

Lenglet is growing in confidence with each passing season as he produced another fine display. Defensively solid, while he played the initial line-breaking pass, which led to Ansu Fati’s goal.

Jordi Alba – 7.5

Undoubtedly, it is one of Alba’s finest displays in recent memory. Constantly fled from attack to defence on the flanks and never shied away from getting into the box for goal scoring positions. Provided the assist to Fati’s second goal.

Sergi Roberto – 6.5

Was quite dormant as Barca preferred to attack down the left flank, where the threat was ever-present with Alba and Fati. Roberto’s touches were sloppy at times but whipped in a dangerous cross in the first half.

Frenkie de Jong – 7

The words of Koeman — getting the best out of De Jong — looks to be true as the midfielder was all over the place. From initiating and preventing the attacks to show his presence near the attacking third, De Jong continues to impress for Barca.

Sergio Busquets – 6.5

The veteran midfielder hasn’t had the best of the game although his progressive passes and the intelligence still makes him relevant.

Philippe Coutinho – 7.5

Coutinho was excellent in his first official game for Barca this season after spending a season on loan at Bayern Munich. Coutinho was deployed as a media punta in the lineup as he continued to receive in between the lines. He set up for Fati’s goal.

Antoine Griezmann – 6.5 

New season but the same clueless Antoine Griezmann. The French World Cup winner didn’t have any inspiring moments in the game.

Ansu Fati – 8.5

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Fati is the best young attacking talent in Europe. His brace against Villareal is proof of that. It could be the season where Fati can unleash his full potential after getting promoted to the main team.

Lionel Messi – 8

There are only a few players who can influence the game even though they are not at their best. Messi is such a player and he opened his account with a penalty goal this season.

Miralem Pjanic (Substitute) – 7

Was impressive even in the limited time.

Francisco Trincao (Substitute) -7

The Portuguese youngster came as a late substitute but showed a glimpse of his talent.

Pedri (Substitute) – 6.5

Ousmane Dembele (Substitute) – 7

Ronald Koeman:8

The Dutch manager looks to be favouring a free-flowing attacking football with more verticality. Already giving Coutinho and Dembele a second chance to revive themselves, Koeman looks to be having faith in the youngsters as well. The second half was a contrast from what we saw in the first but it can be attributed to the lead Barca got before the break.