Barcelona player ratings vs Real Sociedad: Braithwaite excellent, Memphis Depay shines on debut

Attack:

Memphis Depay – 8

Like a small child desiring toffees from his mother, Ronald Koeman desperately wanted the club board to sign Memphis Depay. This game proved why Koeman had been persuading the board to sign Depay. The Dutchman was the star of the show. Electric, mobile and omnipresent.

He dropped between the lines, he executed the role of being a target man to near perfection, he showed off some glitz and glamour earlier on, to which Aihen responded by just pulling the Barcelona No.9 down.

Depay created chances and looked to be the fulcrum of the new attack. It was an eventful debut and if he continues to perform with such intensity, the pain of Messi’s departure will lessen by a bit.

Antoine Griezmann – 7

If there’s one player who has to step up the most after Messi’s departure, it is Antoine Griezmann. He has no excuses now and has to be the face of Barca’s attack. The Frenchman looked very dangerous early on in the first half and was sharp as ever. His work rate can never be questioned.

Martin Braithwaite – 9

Ironically, he’s the player Barcelona are looking to sell. He may not even be in Koeman’s first choice once Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele return from injury. Yet, he showed what Barca missed all this time. A powerful, quick and clinical No.9.

Started the game in electric fashion, testing Alex Remiro. Along with Depay, Martin Braithwaite was the runner in the team. He scored a brace, assisted Roberto’s goal and created two big chances, this was probably Braithwaite’s best performance in a Blaugrana shirt  He pressed up top, drew defenders away and was clinical.

Were you impressed with Barcelona’s showing in the first La Liga game of the season?