FC Barcelona’s first home match of the season, at a new stadium that filled up as the game went on, resulted in a 2-0 win for the Catalans. The first half was a bit of a slog, although much better than the previous game against Getafe. However, as the match went on, Barça were able to find openings and create more chances. The start of the second half continued to be better, as they put constant pressure on the defense. After the first goal by Pedri, the spaces opened up, and Ferran Torres was able to take advantage for the second.
Let’s take a look at some player ratings from Barça’s first win of the season.
Goalkeeper
Ter Stegen (c) – 7
Barely any involvement throughout the match, but he did produce a huge save in the 35th minute. Finding himself one on one with Roger Martí, he made himself big and blocked Roger’s chip. Other than that, he wasn’t asked to do much at all.
Defenders
Jules Koundé – 8
His solid start to the season continues. Playing as a right back, he barely put a foot wrong all match, even if his preferred position is at the back. As the match continued, he would play a sort of hybrid right back, right sided center back role. There were parts of this game where they played three at the back, and it was a seamless transition for him. Also very good there. Seems his tactical development and understanding of Xavi’s system is improving. He almost got a goal in the 34th minute too, if not for a tremendous save from Ledesma.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Not outstanding in the first half, just dependable. Strong in the air. Was breezed by in the 63rd min by Chris Ramos, who almost scored, but other than that, perfectly solid.
Frenkie de Jong – 8
While not a natural center back, he didn’t exactly play a natural center back role in this one. First, the negatives. He struggled in the air and on set pieces but did just enough there to bother the opposition. He gave away an obvious yellow in 25th minute, after a bad touch. There were a couple times he was out of place when out of possession, leading to some possible chances for Cádiz. However, he remains the most versatile player Barça have. As always, moving all over the place, linking well with Pedri, Gündoğan, and Gavi. He drove the ball forward constantly, pushing with the dribble and his line-splitting passes. The back line for Barcelona was extremely fluid and intuitive in this game, and Frenkie was a big, big part of that. He faded away a bit in the second half, and played a bit more traditional denter back. Man of the match for a reason.
Balde – 6
He can sometimes be a bit too left-footed, which makes him predictable, especially in one-on-one situations. He doesn’t quite have the overlapping run ability of someone like Jordi Alba, and was slowed down by Alejo on the left. However, Balde is becoming one of the most dependable players in Xavi’s squad, so even his subdued match in this one still wasn’t bad.
Eric García – 6
Played too little and didn’t have enough actions to really make a discernible impact on the match.
Midfielders
Oriol Romeu – 7
Just a very smart, defensive presence. He’s got the positional discipline to help Frenkie out in the back when the Dutchman goes forward. Not amazing in possession, but at the very least adequate. This team benefits greatly from having Romeu roam around in the midfield, breaking up play.
İlkay Gündoğan – 7.5
He also played somewhat of a supporting role to Frenkie, making his runs possible too. Started off in a deeper position that, in my opinion, doesn’t play to his strengths. In the second half, he began to push up more. His assist was wonderful; a beautiful little chipped pass that bounced perfectly for an outstretched Pedri to slot home. Otherwise, good match from the German.
Pedri – 7.5
More involved early on, which is always a good sign. His combination play within the lines was good, albeit lacking a final touch (but then again, the whole team sees to be missing that). Had an open header in 15th minute that was a half pass, half goal, that could’ve been better. To be fair to him, he had to deal with a lot of physicality. Made good runs, though, and better in the second half. Great run in behind the defense and a nice finish to beat Ledesma for the goal in the 83rd min.
Gavi – 7
Was his usual strong self. Hit the crossbar in the 54th minute off a glancing header to almost open the scoring. Overall, good game, but nothing spectacular today from Gavi.
Sergi Roberto – 6
Came on near the end of the match, and was adequate. Didn’t have much time or touches in this one, so a 6 it is.
Forwards
Lamine Yamal – 7.5
Simple creativity from the youngster, who started in a bit of a shock decision. However, he performed admirably. Yamal just creates excitement. He is concise and decisive with his touches, but he’s got a bit of wow factor to him as well. Xavi and Barcelona fans everywhere have got a talent on his hands with this one. Almost scored a great goal in the 29th minute, forcing a good fingertip save from Ledesma.
Robert Lewandowski – 7
Didn’t drop as deep as in recent games. He had a 24th minute header which admittedly was a difficult finish but maybe could’ve done better. Missed a great chance at the start of second half as he couldn’t quite control in time. Despite this, a great headed flick on to assist Ferran’s goal. The fact remains, though: He’s struggling still. Maybe the Polish striker just needs more time to get fit as he gets older, and his form will improve as the season goes on.
Ansu Fati – 6.5
Subbed on in 68th min. Lacking the final touch today, as he put a couple of shots wide. He later moved into the ten role, right behind Lewandowski, and looked much better there. He had a bit of space to take on the defense and forced a good save. Also scored an offside goal off some good movement – just unlucky that Lewandowski was a hair offside.
Abde – 7
Subbed on in 68th min, along with Ansu. Abde is interesting, as he’s not a prototypical Barcelona player – but that’s not bad. He doesn’t circulate the ball quick or play with a lot of quick touches, but he brings something different. Got off a very nice shot in 80th min that almost tricked the keeper, but ultimately was saved.
Ferran – 7.5
He came on in the 87th min, and immediately linked up well with Ansu and Lewandowski. Showed a lot of confidence in this one. Took advantage of the space afforded by Cádiz pushing up well. Received a ball from Lewandowski to score a very nice goal to ice the game – left footed. Xavi and his staff have got a legitimate question now on their hands – how long do they stick with Lewandowski before giving Ferran the starting nod?