A commendable performance that highlighted quite a few noticeably positive performances, allowing Barcelona to win a comfortable 3 points over Villarreal.
Player Ratings:
Ter Stegen: 6.0
Not tested much tonight by the Villarreal attack, was dependable when needed, however.
Jordi Alba: 7.0
Really effective offensively, making consistent runs and attempting deliveries into the box, and managed an assist as well. Still worrisome when tracking back, however.
Joules Kounde: 7.5
His presence emits confidence and solidity in Barca’s defense and was almost faultless when carrying out his duties.
Marcos Alonso: 6.5
Was effective enough as a Centre back and despite not being the quickest, he was fairly sharp when it came to reading the game.
Sergi Roberto: 7.0
One of his better performances, from his timing to his positional adjustments, Roberto played like a dependable full-back this time around.
Frenkie De Jong: 8.5
Arguably one of the two contenders for man of the match for most people, this was possibly one of De Jong’s best performances in a Barca shirt, and he has provided ample reasoning as to why he just may be the solution in that lone pivot position should Xavi come to rely on his services there.
Gavi: 7.0
Ferocious and intense, Gavi showcased, again and again, tonight why he won that Kopa trophy. Winning duels and piling excessive pressure on the opposition throughout his time on the field.
Pedri: 7.5
While that first goal may have been credited to Alba and Lewandowski’s linkup, it was a moment of brilliance from Pedri to dispatch that ball to Alba that allowed Barcelona to flourish. Instrumental, as he typically is.
Ansu Fati: 7.0
Slowly but surely coming back to his best, Ansu Fati is a player that is dependable when called upon and with time will only keep on improving. Managed to score tonight as well.
Ferran Torres: 7.5
Made it evidently clear that his best position in this team is at that right wing, from where he is not just a smart player off the ball but also a creative positive for the team; a quality he isn’t able to express that well from the left-hand side.
Lewandowski: 8.5
Scored a brace with superb quality being showcased in either, Lewandowski continues to show why Barcelona brought him into this team, and just how effective he can be when provided the right kind of service.
Substitutes:
Bellerin: 6.0
Showcased good understanding with his teammates on the ball, but so far nothing out of the ordinary has been seen from the Spaniard.
Sergio Busquets: 6.5
Was solid in possession as he typically is, and ensured his passes and ball distribution were
made effectively. Not much else to impact the game.
Dembele: 7.0
Created some clever chances, and should have definitely had an assist for the one he created for Raphinha, but a solid cameo from the Frenchman altogether.
Raphinha: 5.5
Was consistent enough when aiding defensively, but completely messed up an easy chance
handed to him on a plate by Dembele. Needs to improve his game and form if he wishes to be a success at the club.
Pique: N/A
Not enough minutes to merit a rating