While the Joan Gamper trophy is not exactly an official title, it is one that FC Barcelona is expected to win. Unfortunately for the Catalan giants, the 3-0 loss against Monaco was not one that they would have expected or wanted. As such, Barcelona end up having to surrender this year’s Joan Gamper trophy to their Ligue 1 challengers.
Beyond just the result, however, Barça showed both positives and negatives in their game. Most of the positive stuff came through some much-needed late substitutes, but apart from that the Catalan club looked quite clumsy and lazy at points and it is hardly a good look for them.
Here are the player ratings for the Barcelona players.
Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 6.0
Conceded two goals that he could hardly have done much about, but Marc-Andre Ter Stegen was no pure saint himself either. Some of his distribution was worrying, to say the least, but he did have his moments as well in which he showcased some excellent passing range and vision.
Alejandro Balde: 6.5
For much of the first half, it seemed that the only danger that Barcelona could create would come from Alejandro Balde. His speed and pace are certainly great assets for Barça to have and it would appear that his return now promises many great things to come from him.
Inigo Martinez: 4.5
Played the entirety of the game and did not exactly look as sharp as he should be given that his participation with the club has not stopped. Moreover, some of his lapses in judgment really seemed to cost the team throughout the game.
Andreas Christensen: 6.0
Had a solid outing individually, and did not conceded any goals while he was on the pitch. His distribution was commendable as well.
Jules Kounde: 5.5
The French defender had some strong defensive displays during the game, but his influence moving forward was quite lacking. Still needs time to return to full-match fitness.
Marc Bernal: 6.0
Was caught unfocused when Monaco scored their first goal, and seemed a bit out of place ever since. Before that goal, however, Marc Bernal was showing a lot of composure and some great first touch passing as well as connecting well with his teammates.
Marc Casado: 7.0
Relentless and determined to make an impact, Marc Casado’s energy was unmatched throughout the game. From start to finish, he was one of the few bright spots that Barcelona could at least count on.
Raphinha: 5.5
The Brazilian winger seemed to be putting in a lot of work-rate throughout the match but the end product was simply not there. While his desire remains to stay at Barcelona and prove himself, the player has a long road ahead of him to make himself feel irreplaceable in this team.
Pablo Torre: 5.0
Tried his best to make an impact during his time on the pitch and connect well with his teammates, but was often instead let down by them. On a fair few occasions, Robert Lewandowski was usually the culprit who ended up making decisions that cost both Barcelona and the young attacking midfielder better chances at goal.
Pau Victor: 6.5
Much more adaptable than Robert Lewandowski in terms of making runs in behind and exploiting space, Pau Victor showed some positive signs. However, should have done more with the chance Lamine Yamal presented him with.
Robert Lewandowski: 5.0
Hardly a good showing from the Polish ace, Robert Lewandowski will want to get his act together before the start of the official season. Unfortunately, he remains as selfish as ever in front of goal and it is not always a positive thing.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan: N/A
Looked promising for the few minutes that he was on for, but was unfortunately injured quite early on and had to be taken off.
Sergi Dominguez: 5.5
Decent display from the young defender.
Ferran Torres: N/A
Not enough influence on the game to warrant a rating.
Hector Fort: N/A
Not enough influence on the game to warrant a rating.
Lamine Yamal: 6.5
Brought a great spark of joy and excitement into the team as soon as he stepped on the pitch.
Gerard Martin: 5.0
Despite possessing a strong physique to help him keep possession of the ball, the player’s technical skills definitely slowed down the tempo of the game for Barça and it did not work in their favor.
Inaki Pena: N/A
Not enough influence or time in the game to warrant a rating.
Quim Junyent: N/A
Not enough influence or time in the game to warrant a rating.
Toni Fernandez: N/A
Not enough influence or time in the game to warrant a rating.
