From start to finish, FC Barcelona showed up against Girona as a team ready to take on the biggest of challenges. As if their overall passage of play was not enough on its own, the scoreline sure was. Ultimately, Barcelona made light work of Girona with an emphatic 4-1 victory.
While the goals may have come from the brilliant plays from the likes of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Pedri, there are many more names worth mentioning in terms of players who helped Barcelona perform the way they did against a team that bested them last season.
Here are the player ratings for Barcelona.
Player Ratings:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen: 6.5
Did not have too much to do and his distribution was mostly on point. However, he could have done better for the goal that Barcelona did end up conceding.
Jules Kounde: 7.5
While his defending itself was something worth commending on its own, Jules Kounde ended up adding an assist to his performance as well with a brilliant pass to Dani Olmo, one that his teammate finished in emphatic fashion.
Pau Cubarsi: 7.0
Another defender who had a commendable performance, young Pau Cubarsi kept the team one step ahead of their opponents at all times. As long as he was on the pitch, Girona could not score against Barcelona, and that is telling enough.
Inigo Martinez: 6.5
Managed to keep his composure alongside the young Pau Cubarsi, and made sure to keep Girona at bay for as long as he could. Solid display from the veteran.
Alejandro Balde: 6.5
Kept his cool on the flank and made frequent runs forward and back to attack and defend wherever and whenever he could. A great asset for Hansi Flick’s team.
Marc Casado: 8.0
Alongside Pedri, Marc Casado looked hungry and tenacious as well. However, his assist to his midfield partner was nothing short of world-class from the direction and weight of the pass. Strong performance from the defensive midfielder.
Pedri: 9.0
A player who plays with unmatched grace and composure, and it becomes even more absurd when one considers his age, Pedri remains the heartbeat of this team. Controlling the tempo of the game, making sure his forwards are well-fed, and even scoring off a brilliant goal himself, the Spaniard was a joy to watch.
Lamine Yamal: 9.5
Are there even any words left to describe just how surreal Lamine Yamal is? At his age, and at the level that he continues to play at, there is perhaps no player who even comes close to his ability. With two brilliant goals, both a display of great unique qualities of his, and much more to
add to his amazing showing, Yamal was almost unplayable at times for Girona.
Dani Olmo: 8.5
Continues to showcase that perhaps Deco’s choice of signing him was maybe the right one after all, Dani Olmo remains a great addition to this Barcelona team and he has now even scored a third consecutive goal for the team in his third consecutive appearance. Clinical player.
Raphinha: 8.0
A player who may not see himself receive any flowers for his goal contributions but will be acknowledged for his performance. Constantly running from start to finish, and providing some brilliant link-up play with his teammates, the Brazilian had a solid outing against Girona.
Robert Lewandowski: 7.0
Not his brightest day at the office, given that he wasted a handful of decent opportunities, but an overall solid display from the Polish striker. Did manage to give an assist to Lamine Yamal, however.
Substitutes:
Eric Garcia: 6.0
Had a solid outing in the heart of the midfield and popped up in some key positions where he could have potentially even got an assist or two.
Pau Victor: 5.5
A bit too hasty with his opportunities and wasted some good chances to do something better with the ball.
Hector Fort: 6.0
Came on for Pau Cubarsi and shifted Jules Kounde back towards the center, and managed to hold his own on the side.
Ferran Torres: 2.0
Was barely on the field for even 20 minutes and ended up getting himself sent off recklessly despite some solid display prior to it.
Gerard Martin: N/A
Not enough influence or time on the field to warrant a rating.
