Barcelona vs AC Milan Player Ratings
Defenders
Marcos Alonso – 6
Always looks much better going forward than he does defending. Picked up an early yellow card when he got done for pace, which is going to happen, bu otherwise had an uneventful night in the defensive half. Only played 45 minutes, but he got forward to support Abde well and had a shot that flew past the post. He’s a steady veteran presence, but his best years are certainly behind him.
Eric Garcia – 6.5
A very solid performance by Garcia who won most of his battles and continues to distribute the ball well. He does sometimes try and step up when all he needs to do is drop and defend. But when you play the majority of the game and you don’t concede a goal, you’ve done your job. Garcia won’t start for Barcelona, but if he did you’d feel relatively comfortable.
Ronald Araujo – 6
I feel sorry for Araujo, as he’s a centre-back being asked to play as a right-back and that’s not what his game is built around. He doesn’t seem to know what to do with the ball when in the opposition box and he got left on his heels by Leao at times, but again, he’s a centre-half by nature.
Jules Kounde – 7
There was one moment where he got left for dust by Leao who breezed past him, but overall I thought Kounde had a very good game. He won most of the balls in the air, his positioning was good to cut out some dangerous crosses and he looked calmer on the ball. He’s obviously more natural as a centre back and this was his best pre-season performance.
Alejandro Balde – 8.5
He’s been Barcelona’s best player through the pre-season, incredibly dangerous going forward with his pace and defends well when asked. He injected speed into the game, worked well with Fati for the goal and if Barca had an attack, chances are he was involved in it. Quickly becoming one of the best left-backs in the world.
Sergino Dest – 5
It’s unfortunate that the only thing I remember Dest doing is losing the ball which led to AC Milan’s chance to equalise. Had it not been for a scuffed shot, his rating would be down at 2 or 3. I think it’s best for everyone if Dest moves on quickly after this tour, I just don’t think he’s Barca quality and that’s highlighted even more when a centre-back plays better in your position than you do.
Mikayll Faye – 6
Good to get his debut out of the way. Had a nervous touch which led to a corner, but also showed good positioning to cut out another cross. Wasn’t really on the field long enough, and for players like that, I give them a standard 6.
Alex Valle – 6
I’m not sure if Valle actually touched the ball, I’m sure he did but he really wasn’t on the field long enough to do anything of note. I don’t expect to see him play much this year.